Papaya

Carica papaya

Botanical Classification
Caricaceae
Family

family

origin in Central and South America and Africa

Consists

of about 70 species of short-lived evergreen

shrubs, herbs, and small trees, many bear edible fruit

Genera:

Cylicomorpha, Jacaratia, Jarilla, Vasconcellea

Characteristics

Papayas are branchless with the exception of some born

at the top

Silhouette resembles that of a palm

Have hollow trunks that when broken secretes a latex

Leaves are palmate-compound, alternate, and about 30

in length with an 18 petiole

Fruit grow in dense clusters from leaf axils, each fruit can
grow to about 2 feet in length

Dioecious plant

Males produces yellow, tubular flowers in panicles

Culture and Pests

Grown from seed

Transplanting is limited in areas of dependable rainfall or

irrigation (40-60in)

Prefers acidic soils

Tropical or sub tropical climate, below 500ft sea level

Cool temperatures cause flower drop and cat shaped fruit

(development of stamens into fleshy structures)

Soil-borne pathogens are an issue

Common diseases: Powdery mildew, black spot,

dampening off, anthracnose, and papaya ring spot virus

Common insects: fruit flies, leaf hoppers, mites

Historical Uses

The Mayans used to worship the papaya tree and called it

the Tree of Life

It is said to be one of the favorite fruits of Christopher

Columbus

The leaves, seeds, and the milk of the papaya tree are
used to cure intestinal problems

Women from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh use the

leaves, seeds, and milk to prevent pregnancy and for
abortion

Health Benefits

Skin: used as a face mask to cure skin infections as it opens and

cleans clogged pores

Cholesterol: as a fruit rich in fibers, papaya helps to lower

blood cholesterol levels, it also contains enzymes that help
prevent oxidation of cholesterol

Anti-aging: the antioxidants in papaya help in controlling

premature ageing

Intestinal worms: the seeds of papaya are beneficial in

controlling intestinal worms

Constipation: the enzyme papain is a beneficial digestive

enzyme in papaya

Colon: the juice of the papaya is helpful in curing colon

infections

Health Benefits

Weight loss: papaya is low in calories and high in nutritional

value

Morning sickness: papaya helps control nausea for pregnant

women

Osteoporosis: papaya contains anti-inflammatory enzymes

that relieve pain for those suffering from arthritis

Immunity: papaya is rich in Vitamin A and C boosting the

bodys immunity

Shampoos: papaya in shampoo helps to control dandruff

Liver cancer: papaya helps to slow the growth of cancerous

cells within the liver

Economic Impact

Commercial fruit production- Hawaii is the major producer

and supplier in the United States; Mexico is the largest

Fresh fruit, jelly, preserves, juices and other beverages

Bark is used in rope making

Leaves and roots are used in cooking

Leaves can be used as a soap substitute

Interesting Facts

Most popular variety: solo (Hawaiian Papaya)

Mexican variety can be up to 10lbs and 2ft long

The fruit is classified as a berry

Plant is actually a giant herb not a tree

Can grow 6-10 in 10 12 months

Also known as tree melon, paw paw/papaw & mamao

Eating excessive amounts can cause carotenemia- turns

palms of hands and soles of feet yellow

Sources

http://www.botanical-online.com/english/papaya_plant.htm

http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/type/carp_pap.htm

http://
www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of
-papaya.htm
www.plantlist.org