Carica papaya aka Papaya

Taxonomy

Genus Carica Family Caricaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
The papaya (Carica papaya), also known as papaw or pawpaw, is a tree-like, evergreen, herbaceous plant that can reach up to 6 meters in tropical conditions. It belongs to the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae and was first domesticated in Mesoamerica. India is the leading producer of papayas, accounting for 43% of the world's supply. The papaya tree has a single, upright stem with large, deeply divided leaves that resemble a palm. It produces cream-colored, scented flowers throughout the year, which can be male, female, or hermaphrodite. These flowers develop directly from the trunk and are followed by large, edible, melon-like fruits. The fruits start off green and ripen to yellow or orange. Papaya is a small, fast-growing, evergreen tree that typically grows 3 to 10 meters tall. It has a non-woody, hollow bole with a diameter of 10 to 30 centimeters. While it usually lacks side-branches, they can occur if the plant is injured or the growing tip is removed. The papaya tree is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, primarily for its delicious fruits. However, it also has various medicinal uses, including the medicinal value of its fruits and leaves.

Common names

Papaya, Pawpaw, Papaw

How to care for Papaya

Difficulty

Papaya presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Papaya should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Papaya thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Papaw.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Papaya’s native range is The original habitat is believed to be Central America and southern Mexico, but is not known for certain.

More info:
Wikipedia

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