Forest papaya
Forest papaya (Vasconcellea monoica) is a wild relative of the common papaya. Both forest papaya and common papaya belong to the plant family Caricaceae, commonly known as the papaya family. There are relatively few species in this family, only about 35, of which the best known is, of course, the papaya, at least here in Denmark.
Forest papaya is native to South America, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and Brazil, where its fruits are a popular food among local communities. The fruits can be eaten fresh, but are also used in jams, desserts, and other prepared dishes. The species naturally grows in cooler mountain regions than the common papaya and can therefore tolerate lower temperatures.
The species name monoica means “monoecious” and refers to the fact that male and female flowers occur on the same plant. This differs from the common papaya, where male and female flowers are often borne on separate plants. Because both flower types are present on the same individual, only a single plant is needed to produce fruit, and the species therefore fruits readily when cultivated.
Facts:
Greenhouse location: The Tropical House
Danish name: Skovpapaya
Scientific name: Vasconcellea monoica
Family: Papaya family / Caricaceae
Native range: South America