Orange papaya, Dwarf Peruvian cooking papaya
Vasconcellea monoica

Family: Caricaceae

What it is like

A shrub with a single trunk. This is ringed with leaf scars. It grows 3 m tall. The leaves are 60 cm across. The leaf stalk is 90 cm long. The fruit are small. The fruit turn orange at maturity. The flesh in pink. The seeds are black.

There are at least 22-40 species of Carica.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In the Andes it grows between 600-1,700 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Pacific, Peru, Philippines, SE Asia, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They can be dried, candied or frozen. They are also used for drinks and pickles.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Babaco-mirim, Babaquinho, Berenjena, Chamburo, Col de montana, Peladera, Rola quimba, Toronche, Tsampu, Yumbo papaya

Synonyms

Carica monoica Desf.;