Papaya Family, Caricaceae:Carica L., papaya
Papaya, Caricapapaya L., is a tropical fruit native to the American tropics where it was originally cultivated by indigenous civilizations. It is often called paw paw not to be confused with the paw paw, Asimina Adans., that is native here. The fruit is best when fully ripe and soft because green fruit contains more of a bitter latex that is used medicinally. Reported medical uses include contraception, but if you eat to much you will turn orange. The tree is fast growing, bearing fruit in a little as 3 years, but it is relatively short lived. Payaya trees are grown in frost free parts of Florida. I have gotten seed obtained from store bought fresh fruit to germinate, but due to bad timing with water and weather failed to establish a tree. I may try again when I find a fruit that is actually ripe.
