Papaya de monte
Vasconcellea parviflora

Family: Caricaceae

What it is like

A small plant. It grows 3 m tall and spreads 1.8 m wide. The flowers are purple. The fruit are orange or nearly red when ripe. They are small.

There are at least 22-40 species of Carica. It has disease resistance being used for breeding.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in arid regions. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Australia, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw The root are cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Col de monte, Papaya del monte, Papayillo, Papayo, Pinon silvestre, Yuca del campo

Synonyms

Carica parviflora (A. DC.) Solms;