Propagated by seed and germinates in 2-3 weeks. Seedlings grow rapidly. Weed control necessary. Requires pH control and a constant water supply but is relatively resistant to drought. Very responsive to fertilizers. Fruit production begins within a year of planting and produces 30-150 fruits/year. Can tap latex at least once a week. Can rejuvenate mature trees by cutting back to 30 cm above the ground. Can live over 25 years. Yields can be maximized by renewing every 3 years.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Carica papaya
Food
Medicinal
English Common Name
Papaya
Indonesian Common Name
Pepaya, Telo Gantung, Kates (Javanese), Gedang (Sundanese)
Tree Family
Caricaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
30-105cm
Length
×
30-60cm
Width
Tree Height
Shrub (1–10m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1600m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Exotic in Indonesia
Native to
Region
Americas
Exotic in
SE Asia
Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Unknown
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Medicinal
Fruits are consumed, a sweet meat is made from the flowers, and young leaves are also sometimes eaten. Can be used when coffee sales are insufficient or urgent cash needs arise as it can be sold at market and can produce year round.
Farm Services
- Unknown
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Seeds dispersed by bats.