Mexican Mountain Papaya Fruit plant (Jacaratia mexicana)

Common Name: Bonete, Mexican Mountain Papaya

Botanical Name: Jacaratia Mexicana

General Information:

Deciduous shrub or small tree growing from 5 - 12 meters tall, with occasional specimens growing taller.

Native to dry areas in Southern Mexico and into Central America.

Fantastic, wild, dry-forest papaya bearing strongly winged obovoid 4 - 15 cm long fruits.

Fruits ripen to yellow-green with a sweet flavor.

Fruits can be eaten raw or cooked.

Commonly used in salads, cooked dishes, or made into sweetmeats of various kinds.

Health Benefits:

Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that aids digestion; it can be used as a meat tenderizer.

High in fiber and water content, promoting regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate