Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
June,  1901. 
Story  of  the  Papaw. 
281 
ing  to  tropical  custom,  has  been  cleared  by  burning  away  the  trees 
and  undergrowth.  There  are  no  forests  of  papaws  because  the 
plants  need  sun  and  room.  They  are  seldom  seen  among  dense 
growths.  They  do  not  progagate  in  clusters.  For  the  most  part 
they  are  the  product  of  cultivation,  and  near  every  hut  are  carefully 
guarded  groups  from  two  to  six  in  number.5 
They  present  a  striking  appearance  with  their  straight  slim, 
shiny  stalk;  their  bright  green  umbrella  tops  towering  above  a 
Hanging  Papaw. 
wilderness  of  flower-sprinkled  verdure.  Most  beautiful  specimens 
are  seen  in  such  a  place,  their  base  covered  with  a  tangled  under- 
growth of  trailing,  climbing  vines.  Their  roots  are  kept  moist  by 
fallen  leaves ;  and  enriched  by  nuts  and  fruits  that  fall  and  rot 
among  the  masses  of  forage  and  litter  so  abundant  in  tropical 
gardens. 
5  This  has  particular  reference  to  the  habits  of  the  Carica  Papaya.  Certain 
varieties  such  as  the  Carica  quercifolia,  C.  microcarpa,  etc.,  are  sometimes 
found  in  the  dense  forests. 
