I am a tropical fruit tree producing sweet orange fruits.

Native to Central America; now cultivated worldwide.

Water 2–3 times per week; keep soil moist but well-drained.

Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily).

Thrives in 25–35°C; sensitive to frost.

Plant in sandy-loam soil; spacing 2–3 meters apart.

Apply compost and NPK 10:10:10 every 2–3 months; supplement with magnesium.

Botanical name: Carica papaya; Family: Caricaceae.

Fruits are safe; leaves and seeds mildly toxic if consumed in excess.

Moderate; large leaves reduce dust.

Fruits rich in vitamin A, C, and papain enzyme; leaves used in traditional medicine.

Susceptible to papaya mosaic virus, fruit fly, and root rot; prune for airflow and monitor regularly.

Short-lived; 5–7 years; starts fruiting in 8–10 months; peak yield in years 2–4.