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Carica pubescens syn. Vasconcellea pubescens
Quick growing small tree native to the South American highlands up to 3,000 metres, but can be grown at lower elevations and also in the subtropics and warm, essentially frost-free temperate areas. Plants grow best in areas where the mean annual rainfall is 1,000 – 1,700mm, but tolerate a range of 500 – 2,800mm, and established plants can tolerate prolonged droughts. Mountain Pawpaws (also known as Mountain Papayas) prefer a mean minimum temperature of 17°c and a maximum of 22°c, but can tolerate a range from 10 – 28°c, and can even tolerate occasional frosts to about -3°c when dormant, but only -1°c when coming into growth. In exposed conditions however these temperatures can kill a plant. Mountain Pawpaws require a fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny but sheltered position. Plants can start producing fruit in just 2 years and a single tree can produce 50 – 60 fruits a year, however plants can be monoecious or dioecious, and as they are seed grown we will not know this at sale point. Dioecious forms will need both male and female forms to be grown for fruit production, so growing several plants together is recommended.
The trees have large tropical-looking leaves and grow narrow and straight, so are perfect for small gardens. The fruit is yellow when ripe and will fill your garden with a delicious fruity aroma. It can also be eaten unripe as a vegetable but will contain fewer vitamins and minerals. Height to 4m.
Certified organic plant in deep root pot
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
