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o. V. II'. CuiUction. Plate XXXV 



Carica Papaya. 

 TAPAIA (fruit, female tree). 



The Papaia is a native of South America ; it is found in Florida, 

 and in many parts of tropical America ; it was early intro- 

 duced into Hawaii, grows and bears well in almost any localit}'. 

 It is a small tree, with a hollow, branchless trunk ; it is short- 

 lived, and is suitable only to regions free from frost, and re- 

 quires perfect drainage. There are two forms, the tall and 

 the dwarf, but there are numerous variations as to shape and 

 quality of the fruit. The soft green leaves, often measuring two 

 feet across, are variously palmated, and have simple, long, hollow 

 stems. The Papaya is usually dioceous ; the fruit-bearing tree is 

 called the female ; it is claimed that trees of both sexes should be 

 planted near each other, in order to ensure a good yield. The 

 female flowers, which appear from the axils of the leaves, are 

 yellowish-white, single, or two or three together. 



The fruit of the Papaya ripens successively. It is either round 

 or oblong, and sometimes weighs eight pounds. The skin is thin, 

 and is bright yellow when ripe. The firm, yellow pulp has a de- 

 licious flavor, and the milky juice contains a digestive principle 

 similar to pepsin. The seed cavit}^ is large, and is filled with 

 many small seeds which are enveloped in a loose, mucous coat, 

 with a brittle, pitted testa. When fresh these seeds germinate 

 readily. 



