Botanical Name of Papaya

Botanical Name of Papaya is Carica papaya. The Papaya family is Caricaceae and is a shrub-type plant. It is native to tropical America and is a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical regions. The common name of Papaya is papye, pawpaw, lapaya, tapayas, and kapaya. Papaya has many benefits, including protection against heart disease, reduced inflammation, aid in digestion, and boosting the immune system. In this article, we will study the scientific name of Papaya, its characteristics, and its uses in detail.

Botanical Name of Papaya – Carica papaya

The Papaya botanical name is Carica papaya. The term “Carica” serves as a suffix due to papaya’s placement within the family Caricaceae. The papaya (Carica papaya) is a distinctive, evergreen tree resembling a palm, native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Its cultivation has spread to tropical and warm semi-tropical zones across the globe. Belonging to the genus Carica, which encompasses 22 species, the papaya is cultivated primarily for its deliciously sweet fruits.

Rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, papayas are valued not only for their flavor but also for their health benefits. In many countries, they are a preferred choice for breakfast due to their refreshing taste and nutritional value.

Scientific Classification of Papaya

The scientific classification of Papaya is given below:

Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Brassicales
Family	Caricaceae
Genus	Carica
Species	Carica papaya

Scientific Names of Varieties of Papaya

The papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a member of the Caricaceae family. In Australia, it’s commonly referred to as ‘pawpaw,’ while in other regions it may be known as ‘tree melon.’ However, it’s important to note that the North American ‘pawpaw’ (Asimina triloba Dunal) belongs to the Annonaceae family, distinguishing it from the papaya.

• Carica papaya: This is the scientific name for the common papaya that is widely cultivated and consumed.
• Carica papaya ‘Solo’: The Solo papaya is a variety known for its small size and sweet flavor. It is often grown for export.
• Carica papaya ‘Maradol’: The Maradol papaya is a large and elongated variety with red-orange flesh. It is popular in some tropical regions.
• Carica papaya ‘Hawaiian’ or ‘Kapoho’: This variety is cultivated in Hawaii and is known for its medium-sized fruit with orange flesh.
• Carica papaya ‘Sunset’: The Sunset papaya is a genetically modified variety designed to be resistant to the papaya ringspot virus.

Family of Papaya

The papaya belongs to the Caricaceae family and is derived from the tall, herbaceous plant in the genus Carica. Originating from southern Mexico to Central America, it is indigenous to the tropical region of North America. These days, these plants are grown throughout the world’s tropical regions. Papayas are tropical plants that require a warm environment to grow and bear fruit.

Low temperatures are intolerable to them. For now, this species is the only one in the genus. The remaining species were placed into three new genera due to genetic studies.

Distribution and Habitat

Originating in southern Mexico and Central America, papayas are native to tropical America. Since it was brought to southern Florida by the Calusa’s ancestors in AD 300. In 16th-century Spain, papaya was brought to the Old World. Hawaii, central Africa, India, and Australia are among the nearly pantropical regions where papayas are currently grown. Naturally disturbed tropical forests are the only places where papaya wild populations can be found. Papaya flourishes and multiplies rapidly in canopy gaps in southern Mexico’s rain forests.

Uses of Papaya

Various uses of Papaya are as follows:

• Edible Fruit: The ripe fruit is consumed as a tropical delicacy, rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C.
• Digestive Enzymes: Papaya contains enzymes like papain that aid in digestion and are used as meat tenderizers.
• Medicinal Properties: It is valued for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Skin Care: Papaya is used in skincare products due to its enzymes, promoting exfoliation and skin renewal.
• Papain Extraction: The enzyme papain extracted from papaya is used in various industrial processes, including the food and textile industries.
• Traditional Medicine: In some cultures, various parts of the papaya plant are used in traditional medicine for treating ailments.
• Seed Uses: Papaya seeds, though bitter, are sometimes consumed for their potential health benefits and are believed to have anti-parasitic properties.
• Latex Production: The latex derived from the unripe fruit is used to produce papain and can be employed in manufacturing and pharmaceutical processes.

Conclusion – Botanical Name of Papaya

The scientific name for papaya is Carica papaya. The papaya family is Caricaceae and is native to Central America and South of Mexico. Papaya is a tropical fruit that is high in protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates. It is also a rich source of vitamin A, potassium, and carotenoids. Additionally, the plant’s enzymes, particularly papain, contribute to its versatile uses in various industries, including food, medicine, and skincare. Carica papaya stands out for its economic importance and diverse applications.

FAQs -Botanical Name of Papaya

What is the Family of Papaya?

Caricaceae family is the family of papaya.

What is the Scientific Name and Family of Papaya Leaves?

Scientific name of papaya leaves is Carica papaya which belongs to Caricaceae family.

Is Carica papaya Scientific Name?

Within the genus Carica of the Caricaceae family, Carica papaya is recognized as one of the 21 species.

What is Another Name for Papaya?

Papaya has many other names, including Pawpaw, Malakor, Loko, Ma kuai thet, Du du, Papye, Lappaya, Tapayas, Kapaya, Tree melon.

What is the Ayurvedic name of papaya?

The Ayurvedic name for papaya is Erandakarkati. The translation of this name is”having the spines of the castor oil plant (Eranda)” due to the similarity in leaf shape.

What is the Botanical Name of Papaya?

Carica papaya – is the botanical name of papaya.

Is Carica papaya the Only Papaya Species?

No, while Carica papaya is the most common cultivated species, there are 21 species in the Carica genus.