Papaya

Carica papaya

Origin Central America

Edibility There are many varieties of papaya with fruits as small as a chicken egg to the size of a football. The most popular commercial varieties produce fruits 3-5 pounds. The flesh is orange, red or yellow with a unique flavor of melon with floral hints. Papaya can also be eaten unripe. The flesh is shredded and used for salads.

Characteristics Papaya trees are incredibly fast growers, going from seed to fruiting tree within a year. Once a papaya begins to fruit, it produces continually. Unfortunately, papayas are susceptible to many diseases and pests, with anthracnose and fruit flys being common issues in South Florida.