Riyadh Plants

Melon Tree, Papaya, fifaiy, paw-paw

Originating in South America, this evergreen tree, bearing the papaya fruit, grows to a height of up to 8 metres and is often seen on farms in and around Arriyadh where other fruit trees are being cultivated. Occasionally, it will be seen in a garden in the city. The large multi-lobed leaves up to 60 cm across are to be found at the top of the non-branched trunk where the delicious fruits grow throughout the year just under the crown of the leaves. Not very long-lived – perhaps up to 15 years – the papaya tree requires full sun, but appreciates light shade in Arriyadh, obtained from nearby palm trees, which also provide the necessary protection against wind. Trees will grow in most soils, but they must be well drained and irrigation should be regular. Propagated by seeds, they suffer from mealybugs and scale insects. C. papaya is useful as a specimen tree in a garden, but does not have any real landscape value.

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General information

Family names Caricaceae
Climatic zones Tropical
Rainfall Extremely Humid , Very Humid , Semi Arid
Propagation Sowing and Pricking Out
Cultivation Moderate
Planting phase

Environmental conditions

Urban climate
Desiccation Vulnerable
Drought Vulnerable
Irrigation Medium , High
Salinity Moderate < 3,000 ppm
Hardiness zones 0°C

Plant shape

Vigour Fast Growing
Height From 3 To 8 M
Expansion from to From 1.5 To 3 M
Leaves Evergreen

Flower

Flowercolors Yellow
Flower size from to From 3 To 4 CM
Flowering period From early January to the end of December
Smell

Fruit

Type of fruit Berry
Fruit size from to From 20 to 30 cm
Toxicity Edible , Fruit , Produced for food

Location of Use

Swimming Pool Planting , Park Planting , Private Garden , Specimen , Wadi Farm Garden , Suitable For Commercial Use

Other choices

Attractive Foliage , Plant Used by ADA , Attractive Fruits , Fruit Drop , Attractive Shape , Crop Plant , Medical Plant , Cultivated Fruit Plant