–          Leaf stalks (petioles) can reach up to 1m long.

–          The life of a leaf is 4 to 6 months

–          Unripe green fruit eaten cooked in curries and stews, sweets and deserts.

–          High levels of pectin used to make jelly.

–          Ripe papaya is usually consumed fresh as a breakfast or dessert fruit; it can also be processed and used in a variety of products such as jams, fruit juices, and ice cream

–          Unripe, green papaya fruit and the leaves of the papaya tree contain an enzyme called papain. Papain has been used as a natural meat tenderizer for thousands of years and today is an ingredient in many commercial meat tenderizers.

–          A small papaya contains about 300% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.

–          Ground and used as a substitute for black pepper.

–          Steamed and eaten

–          Tea made from papaya leaves is consumed in some countries as protection against malaria.

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–          unripe papaya has been used for centuries by women as a natural contraceptive and to induce abortion

–          The juice is used for warts, cancers, tumors, corns, and indurations of the skin.

–          Leaves poulticed onto nervous pains and elephantoid growths.

–          Roots said to cure piles and yaws

–          Javanese believe that eating papaya prevents rheumatism.

–          Dietary papaya does reduce urine acidity in humans.

–          Inner bark used for sore teeth. Latex used in psoriasis, ringworm, and prescribed for the removal of cancerous growths in Cuba.

–          Large consumption of ripe papaya may cause carotenemia, harmless yellowing of soles and palms.

–          Short-lived perennial, generally 3-5 years (commercial)

–          25 years + (wild)

–          The best place to plant a papaya is on the south or southeast side of a house with some protection from wind and cold weather.

–          Papayas grow best in full sun, well-drained soil, as standing water will kill the plant within 24 hours.

–          Temperatures below −2 °C (29 °F) are greatly harmful if not fatal.

–          Root growing above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

–          Cold Climate: Papaya is a tropical fruit tree but if you are thinking to plant it in a temperate climate plant it in a large pot and try to overwinter it in a well-protected area, like a greenhouse. [R3]

–          Optimum temperature for growing papaya ranges between 68 – 86 F (20 to 30 C).

–          Papaya tree can bear cold temperature down to 32 F (0 C) for a short period of time.

–          Fertilize them regularly. A complete fertilizer, compost or something like chicken manure.

–          Protect developing fruit from pests by placing a paper bag over them until they are ripe.