No images found for this plant ID: 8465.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8465" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
mountain papaya
Scientific Name: Carica pubescens
Family: Caricaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Mountain Papaya: A Hardy Fruit from the Andes
The mountain papaya, scientifically known as Vasconcellea pubescens, is a unique fruit-bearing tree native to the Andes of northwestern South America. It offers a hardier alternative to the common papaya in cooler climates.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The fruit has a tart flavor that is often masked by sprinkling sugar on it.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Vasconcellea pubescens
- Common Names: Mountain papaya, mountain pawpaw, papayuelo, chamburo, carica, karika (in Bali), Champagne Fruit, Papaya de Monte
- Synonyms: Carica candamarcensis, Carica cundinamarcensis, Carica pubescens, Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis
- Belongs to the family Caricaceae. While only one species from this family (Carica papaya) has achieved world fame, there are at least 13 other related species in the genus Vasconcellea.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Andes region of northwestern South America, including areas of Colombia, Ecuador and Chile.
- Commonly found growing around mountain villages at high elevations (8000-9000 feet).
Morphology and Growth Habits
- The fruit is bright yellow, about the size of a solo papaya, with strongly lobed longitudinal segments.
- It may take up to two years for the tree to produce fruit.
Ecological Role
- More frost-resistant than the common papaya, making it a suitable alternative in colder climates.
Quirky Facts
- The mountain papaya is one of the parents of the Babaco hybrid variety, widely cultivated for its fruits in South America.
- A fermented extract of wild mountain papaya has been recommended by doctors in Europe.
Uses
- The fruit is typically eaten cooked or used to make jellies due to its tart flavor.
- Often used as rootstock.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The mountain papaya can be hybridized with other related species, though attempts to cross it with tropical papaya have not been successful.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Wikimedia Commons has files related to Mountain papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens).
- Dictionary.com provides definitions, pronunciation guides, synonyms, and translations.