Carica
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Carica is a genus of about 20-25 species of evergreen shrubs or trees usually unbranched or sparsely branched pachycaul trees and shrubs, native to tropical Central and South America. Grows best in full sun to light shade -- preferring tropical conditions. Soil should have excellent drainage and be rich with plenty of humus or compost. These tropicals like warmth and the more the better but should be kept on the dry side in the cool, cold winter months (treat them like cacti). The Carica genus is subdioecious, meaning male, female, and hermaphrodite plants may be present in a given crop.
The fruit of all the species is edible, and many are cultivated at least in their respective native ranges. Commercially important species more widely cultivated include papaya (Carica papaya) and babaco (Carica pentagona). The fruit is more palatable when allowed to ripen in the heat of the summer months, especially when temperatures are in the high 80°s or better. Carica responds well to lots of water and fertilizer in warm weather. It can be grown in a heated greenhouse in areas where it might not otherwise survive outside. Alternatively, one can plant them in large tubs or containers, keep warm in the winter, and move them outside during the summer months to give them some fresh air. The plant requires temperatures above 28°F or slightly lower with day time temperatures above freezing. Papaya does not do well with frost.
The genus is named after the ancient province of Caria in Asia Minor, due to a misunderstanding on the part of Carolus Linnaeus as to where the plants originated.
Among the C. papaya cultivars of note, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens has developed a hybrid that will produce ripe fruit within a San Antonio growing season, and it is quite hardy. Additionally, the San Antionio Botanical Gardens have produced a papaya which will better weather cold temperatures during the winter.
The success of Carica depends on several factors, such as, full sun or very little shade, excellent drainage and warmth. Failure is usually from root rot, especially when planted in cold wet soil.
Other species of Carica are; C. heilbornii, sometimes sold a C. pentagona, (Bush melon of the Andes). This is a dwarf, seedless (4-7 feet tall) plant, and the fruit having the flavor of a honeydew and lime. This may prove to be a much hardier papaya, although one must have a cutting or a plant to start with. Carica pubescens (Mountain Papaya), is a large shrub that grows to 10-12 feet and its fruit must be cooked before eaten. Male and female flowers are needed to produce fruit.
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