OAK LEAVED PAPAYA

(Carica quercifolia)

 Synonyms: Vasconcellea quercifolia

Other names: Fig tree of the Mount, Mamón of the Mount, Higuera del Monte, Mamón                       del Monte

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Oak leaved papaya is a fruit of South America.  It grows in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay.  It is not cultivated commercially.

            Oak leaved papaya is a small herbaceous dioecious tree growing 5-8 m high.  The plant grows quite fast.  It is also a quite hardy plant and can withstand temperature upto 22 F.  The plant is, however, sensitive to excessive soil moisture.  The leaves are 8-35 cm long, membranous and glabrous on both sides, with a lighter green colour on ventral side.  Flowers are greenish yellow.  Male flowers are on axillary inflorescences and the female flowers are mostly solitary or in sparse racemes. 

            Fruits are small, 3 to 5 cm long and 1-2 cm in dia., bright orange and juicy.  These are eaten raw and have a sweet and a pleasant flavour.  The fruits are also reported to be rich in vitamin C.  Papain can also be extracted from fruits.

            Oak leaved papaya is a quite heavy bearer and can a mature tree can bear several hundred fruits.

            This plant can be propagated by seed as well as by cuttings.