| Oak Leaved Papaya | |
| Carica quercifolia |
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.
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.