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 papaya is 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)