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 commerce, about 15 cm in size. The ripe fruit is sweet-aromatic, juicy, similar to melon, and orange in color.

The plant's leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. 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 leaves from the base as it grows taller. This aspect 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 leaves. Indoor or protected space overwintering is recommended.

Pot diameter: 14 cm. 

Height with pot included: approx. 70 cm.