Papaya
Tropical fruit plant domesticated in Mesoamerica, now grown worldwide.
The papaya is the plant species Carica papaya, one of the three accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern-day southern Mexico and Central America, and is now grown in several countries with tropical climates.
- Scientific name
- Carica papaya
- Family
- Caricaceae
- Origin
- Mesoamerica (southern Mexico and Central America)
- Leading producer (2024)
- India (36% of world total)
- Plant type
- Large herbaceous plant
- Fruit type
- Large berry
Lore & Background
The papaya is a large herbaceous plant, usually with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50–70 cm in diameter, deeply palmately lobed, with seven lobes. All plant parts contain latex in articulated laticifers. Papayas are dioecious, with five-parted and highly dimorphic flowers; male flowers have stamens fused to the petals, and female flowers have a superior ovary and five contorted petals loosely connected at the base. The fruit is a large berry about 15–45 cm long and 10–30 cm in diameter, ripe when soft and its skin attains an amber to orange hue. Along the walls of the large central cavity are attached numerous black seeds.
Reader's Guide
Its domestication in Mesoamerica and subsequent spread by Spaniards to the Old World in the 16th century established its pantropical distribution. The plant is notable for its phytochemical content, including carotenoids, polyphenols, and the enzyme papain used to tenderize meat. Papaya faces several viral and fungal diseases, such as papaya ringspot virus and anthracnose, as well as pests like the papaya fruit fly and two-spotted spider mite. Genetic modification has been developed as a protection against ringspot virus. The fruit's common names vary regionally; in Australia, 'pawpaw' and 'papaya' denote different cultivars, while in the United States, 'pawpaw' refers to the unrelated Asimina triloba. The plant's ecology includes natural regeneration in disturbed tropical forests and hurricane-disturbed hammocks in the Everglades.
Did You Know?
- Papaya seeds contain the cyanogenic substance prunasin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is papaya?
Papaya is a large herbaceous plant (Carica papaya) that bears a big berry-like fruit. It is one of only three recognized species in the genus Carica, within the family Caricaceae.
Where did papaya originally come from?
Papaya was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, in the area covering modern-day southern Mexico and Central America. Since then, cultivation has spread to tropical regions across the globe.
Is papaya a tree or something else?
Despite its tall, trunk-like form, papaya is botanically classified as a large herbaceous plant rather than a true woody tree. The fruit it produces is technically a large berry.
Which country grows the most papaya?
India is the leading papaya producer as of 2024, supplying roughly 36 percent of the world's total harvest. The fruit is now cultivated in many tropical-climate countries worldwide.
What is papaya's scientific name and family?
The full scientific name is Carica papaya, placing it in the genus Carica under the family Caricaceae. It is one of three accepted species within that genus.
More in Edible Fruits And Nuts 1-17
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