Carica papaya L.
Carica papaya L. Scientific name: Carica papaya L. Common names: Papaya and pawpaw (English and Spanish), malakor, loko, ma kuai thet (Thai), and du du (Vietnamese). Family: Caricaceae Origin: Lowlands of Central America and southern Mexico , possibly West Indies ( Caribbean ). Center of diversification southern Mexico to Nicaragua . Relatives: Mountain papaya (Carica candamarcensis Hook.f.). Distribution: Throughout the tropical and subtropical world; in protected culture in cool subtropical regions. History: Papaya was taken to the Caribbean and Southeast Asia first and then spread to India , Oceania, and Africa . Importance: Papaya is a major commercial crop throughout the tropical and subtropical world and exported widely to areas where production is not possible. Description Tree and tree types Giant arborescent plant to 33 ft (10 m)tall; generally short-lived although may live up to 20 years; usually single trunked, no secondary growth. Leaves Leaves are palmately-