Pawpaw or Papaw

PAWPAW or PAPAW – A common name for two American plants, one a tree of the genus Asimina, the other. a tough-stemmed herb of tree-like proportions (Caries papaya), known locally as Papaya. The latter grows erect, unbranched, and palm-like, often to 20 ft. with a crown of 7-lobed leaves, each 2 ft. broad, from the axils of which hang 20 to 50 melon-like, yellow-skinned, pink or yellow-fleshed fruits which ripen successively for several weeks and may weigh 10 to 15 lbs. each. While immature these are cooked like squash; when ripe they are eaten like muskmelons, with which their flavor is sometimes compared. The unripe fruits yield the medicine, papain.

Though the plants are easily propagated from seed, the best varieties are grafted. They require sunny positions, well-drained, rich loam and frequent cultivation.

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