This short lived tree forms an upright sparsely branched habit. The scared green-brown trunk is soft wooded and the large dark green leaves are deeply lobed. In summer yellow-white funnel-shaped female flowers bloom followed edible fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Carica papayais naturally found in tropical America growing in hot humid environments with ample rain. It grows in moderately drained soil types that are slightly alkaline and organic rich in a sunny to semi-shaded protected position and is frost, cold wind and drought tender.

Pawpaw is grown for its edible fruit or as a specimen plant in a tropical garden. It is also grown commercially for its fruit and is suitable for coastal regions but is very cold and frost sensitive. It will establish in 2 to 3 years fruiting heavily when young.It has surface roots and requires mulching and no soil disturbance. ID 1258

Carica(KAIR-ih-kuh) papaya(puh-PIE-yuh)

Cariaceae(KAR-ee-AY-see-ee)