Papaya in ghiveci - Papaya carica

Papaya carica - a herbaceous plant with limited branching, growing on a tall stem, cultivated in most tropical countries. It is also known as mamao, tree melon, or lechoza.

The cultivated variety of the plant produces the fruit commonly found in markets, about 15 cm in size. The ripe fruit is sweet-scented, juicy, similar to melon, and orange in color.

The plant's leaves have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. The unripe fruits and leaves contain a unique enzyme called papain – this is used to tenderize tough meats in the food industry, as well as traditionally by wrapping meats in leaves.

Papaya carica loses its lower leaves as it grows taller. This is part of the plant’s natural development process.

Garden hardiness: down to -7°C, but at this temperature it is expected to lose all its leaves. It is recommended to overwinter indoors or in sheltered spaces.

Pot diameter: 14 cm.

Height including pot: approx. 60-70 cm.

In the cold season it is sold without leaves/partially without leaves.