Carica Papaya – Papaya Tree Care Exotic Garden Miami

Carica Papaya – Papaya Tree Care  Exotic Garden Miami 
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Carica papaya – Papaya Tree

Tropical Fruit Tree | Exotic Gardens Miami | South Florida Care

🌍 Place of Origin:

Tropical Americas, likely southern Mexico and Central America. Widely cultivated in the Caribbean and South Florida.

🌱 Growing Zone:

USDA Zones 9b–11. Thrives in Miami and other frost-free tropical and subtropical areas.

🔬 Scientific Name:

Carica papaya

🌴 Common Name:

Papaya, Pawpaw, Papaw

🌾 Soil:

Rich, well-drained sandy or loamy soil with high organic content. Ideal pH: 6.0–6.5. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

☀️ Light:

Requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily). Shade reduces fruit yield.

🪴 Care (Including Pots):

It can be grown in large containers when young. Needs regular feeding and pruning. Mulch to retain soil moisture. Protect from strong winds and cold snaps. Sensitive to root disturbance.

🐛 Pests & Insecticidal Properties:

Common pests include fruit flies, aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. No strong insecticidal properties, though latex may deter herbivores.

💧 Watering & pH:

Consistent watering is vital during fruiting. Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–6.5).

⚠️ Toxicity:

Latex in unripe fruit, seeds, and leaves may cause allergic reactions or irritation. Seeds are mildly toxic in high doses. Non-toxic to pets in small quantities.

🪷 Cultural Uses or Stories:

Papaya was called the “fruit of the angels” by Columbus. Used traditionally across the Caribbean and Latin America for digestion, skincare, and rituals to bring fertility and abundance.

🌿 Medicinal Properties:

• Papain enzyme helps digestion, inflammation, and wound healing.

• Leaves and seeds have antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and liver-supportive properties.

• Green fruit latex used topically for burns and corns in folk medicine.

🍊 Vitamins & Health Uses:

Rich in Vitamin C, A, E, folate, and potassium.

• Promotes skin repair, immune health, digestion, and eye health.

• Enzymes support protein breakdown and gut balance.

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🧪 Lab Studies & Findings:

• Papain and chymopapain studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.

• Leaf extract shows promise against dengue fever in lab and early clinical trials.

• Seeds contain benzyl isothiocyanate, studied for anti-parasitic and detox effects.

🛠️ Other Uses & Historical Relevance:

• Used traditionally as meat tenderizer due to papain.

• Leaves serve as natural food wrappers in tropical cuisines.

• Important food crop across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

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