Papayuelo, Goudout's papaya
Vasconcellea goudotiana

Family: Caricaceae

What it is like

A small single stemmed tree. It grows 3-8 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves have purple veins. The fruit are 5 angled and purple, orange or red. Some trees have bitter fruit.

There are at least 22-40 species of Carica.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In the Andes it grows between 1,500-2,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Asia, Australia, Central America, Colombia (country/location of origin), Ecuador, Pacific, Panama (country/location of origin), Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Tropical America

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw. They can also be eaten with sugar as a dessert. They are also used for drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Chilacuan, Papayote, Papayuela, Sylvan papaya, Tapaculo

Synonyms

Carica goudotiana (Triana & Planch.) Solms; Carica gracilis Linden ex Regel; Papaya goudotiana (Triana & Planch.) Kuntze; Papaya gracilis Regel; Vasconcellea gracilis Hort. ex Regel;