Pawpaw

This S American genus has 22 species of trees and shrubs, characteristically with thick, unbranched trunks. The best known is the papaya, C. papaya, found in lowland tropical forest, which is grown for its pear-shaped fruits and as an ornamental. It has been cultivated since Pre-Columbian times, reaching Europe in 1690 and Asia in the 18th century. Both male and female trees are normally needed for fruiting, but there are now cultivars with male and female flowers onthe same plant, such as 'Solo'. The unripe fruits, leaves, sap and seeds or C. papaya contain papain, and enzyme that breaks down protien. Fruits of the American papaya or custard apple (Asimina triloba) have different properties, with edible flesh, and unpleasant-smelling seeds that have an emetic effect.

Evergreen tree with 7-lobed, palmate leaves to 70cm (28in) across. Fruits are pear-shaped, 45cm (18in) long, with a leathery, yellow-green skin, apricot-colored pulp, and a central cavity of round, black seeds.

Common Name:	Pawpaw
Other Names:	Papaya
Botanical Name:	Carica papaya
Genus:	Carica
Family:	Caricaceae
Native Location:	S America
Cultivation:	Rich, moist soil in sun and high humidity. Spider mite, aphids, and whitefly may damage plants under glass.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring at 24-30°C (75-86°F).
Harvest:	Leaves are picked as required. Seeds are taken from ripe fruits and used fresh. Papain is extracted mainly from unripe fruits and from sap, which is collected from incisions in bark, and dried to a powder for medicinal and industrial use.
Height:	6m (20ft)
Width:	3m (10ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 13-15°C (55-59°F)
Parts Used:	Leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, sap.
Properties:	An enzyme-rich herb that improves digestion of protein, reduces scarring, and expels intestinal worms.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for digestive disorders, and externally for deep or slow-healing wounds (papain). Internally, in countries of origin, to expel threadworms and roundworms (sap, seeds). Externally for wounds, boils, ulcers, warts, and skin tumors (sap). Papain is an ingredient of digestive supplements.
Culinary Uses:	Ripe fruits are eaten raw, in desserts and salads, candied, dried, and preserved. Unripe fruits are cooked as a vegetable, pickled, and made into relishes. Seeds have a peppery flavor, used as seasoning in countries of origin. Fresh leaves, unripe fruits, and fruit skins are used to tenderize meat. Flowers are added to cooked dishes or candied.
Economic Uses:	Papain is used in the manufacture of chewing gum and sausage casings, in clarifying beer and modifying baking dough, in termite control, and the shrink-proofing of wool or silk.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 156