Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Petruss

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Mountain Papaya

Scientific Name: Vasconcellea pubescens

Also Known As

Carica pubescens
Vasconcella pubescens

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 12'-30'
W: 15'-30'

planting zones

9b-10b

More Options

Mountain Papaya plant details

Mountain Papaya is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by orange and yellow fruit. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mountain Papaya

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: caricaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 30 FT - wide, 12 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mountain Papaya

USDA Zones: 9b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Mountain Papaya is an interesting and little-known papaya species native to the foothills of the Andes mountains, from Columbia south to central Chile. Similar to the common papaya, the Mountain Papaya makes an edible and delicious fruit that is prized in its native habitat. Growing up 30 feet in height, although typically smaller in cultivation, these trees appreciate consistent moisture and good drainage. Mountain Papaya is a productive fruit tree that adds an exotic flair to the mild garden. These trees are frost tolerant and thrive in regions too cool for the common papaya. Cold hardy to USDA zone 9b and above, or to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.