| Oak Leaved Papaya | |
| Carica quercifolia |
see more pictures of the oak-leaved papaya
Small, 1-2" long bright orange fruit with a sweet smell and juicy, sweetish pulp.
Description: Fast growing herabceous "tree" to 15-20ft.
Often trees are deciduous, growing new leaves along with numerous flowers in the spring. Trees can bear several thousand fruits when full grown.
Hardiness: The oak-leaved
papaya is very hardy, and can survive temperatures to the low 20's.
The only caveat being that it cannot stand wet soil during winters.
Growing Environment: Grow in full-sun. Water regularly, except during cold months. While the tree can grow large, it does do fine in pots and will bear fruits. Not too picky about soil types.
newly sprouting leaves with flower clusters yet to open
Propagation: By seed, cuttings. Seeds should be planted in sterilized soil and in a well ventilated area as the seedlings can be susceptible to damping off fungus.
Uses: Fruits are eaten raw, the skin is edible as well. As with the common papaya, papain can be extracted which has a variety of medicinal and industrial uses.
Native Range: Native to the Andes mountains of Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.