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Mountain Papaya Carica pubescens (Carica candamarcensis) a.k.a. Mountain Paw Paw Bright yellow fruit about the size of a solo papaya, but with
strongly lobed longitudinal segments. Fruit flavor is tart, and
sugar is often sprinkled on the fruit before eating. |
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Uses |
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Usually cooked or used as a vegetable, but is also edible raw. |
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Plant Cultivation |
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Fast-growing, herbaceous "tree" very similar to the common
papaya, but hardier--withstanding light frosts. Grows to 10-30ft. Culture
and care is similar to the papaya. Male and female flowers are borne
on either the same plant or different plants, although most plants are
dioecious. One tree may produce up to 50-60 fruits per season. Naturally
grows in a cool tropical-subtropical climate with annual temperatures
between 50-75F. Enjoys lots of rainfall. |
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Origin and Distribution |
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Native to northern South America in higher elevation areas of the Andes Mountains up to 8000ft+. Occasionally cultivated in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. |
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