Quick facts
| Arabic name | البابايا |
|---|---|
| English name | Papaya |
| Scientific name | Carica papaya |
| Family | Papaya family (Caricaceae) |
| Plant type | Short-lived tropical fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 3 to 6 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
March to April
Harvest time
All year
Starts fruiting after 9 to 11 months, then all yearJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A single stem without branches, big lobed leaves at the top, and large fruits hanging under the leaves with orange flesh.
Where it grows
Grown in Jazan.
Soil
Light soil with good drainage; no standing water.
Water and irrigation
Regular water without flooding.
Climate and light
Hot and humid. No cold.
Propagation
From seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Fresh fruit and juice
- Gives fruit quickly
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water
- Short life
- Roots rot in standing water
- Its sap can irritate skin
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Carica papaya
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Carica papaya
- Wikipedia: Papaya
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)