Contents
Description
Vasconcellea Pubescens, also known as the mountain papaya, is a small tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Caricaceae family. It is native to South America and can be found mainly in high altitude regions. The plant has a single trunk and grows up to 5 meters in height. The fruit is small, round, and has a yellow-orange skin when ripe. The flesh is white or yellow, with a sweet and tangy taste. The seeds are small and black, surrounded by a jelly-like substance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Caricaceae |
| Genus | Vasconcellea |
Appearance
The leaves of Vasconcellea Pubescens are large, with a length of up to 50 cm and width of up to 30 cm. They are green in color and have a rough texture. The flowers are small, white or cream-colored, and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit is usually about 5 cm in diameter and 6 cm in length. It has a yellow-orange skin when ripe and contains white or yellow flesh with small black seeds.
Care Guide
Water
Vasconcellea Pubescens requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dryness can lead to leaf drop and poor fruit production.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer should be used every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Soil
Vasconcellea Pubescens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.0-6.5.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sunlight to thrive. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Vasconcellea Pubescens is a tropical plant and is not frost hardy. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vasconcellea Pubescens is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Fruit flies
- Anthracnose
- Papaya ring spot virus
Habitat
Vasconcellea Pubescens is native to the high altitude regions of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It can be found growing in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in cultivated gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Vasconcellea Pubescens in a container?
A: Yes, Vasconcellea Pubescens can be grown in a container, but it may not produce as much fruit as a plant grown in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune my Vasconcellea Pubescens plant?
A: Pruning should be done annually to remove dead or damaged branches and to promote new growth.
Q: Can Vasconcellea Pubescens be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Vasconcellea Pubescens can be propagated from cuttings taken from a healthy plant.
Q: How long does it take for Vasconcellea Pubescens to produce fruit?
A: Vasconcellea Pubescens can take up to 2-3 years to produce fruit, depending on growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Vasconcellea Candicans
- Vasconcellea Goudotiana
- Vasconcellea Heilbornii
- Vasconcellea Inodora
- Vasconcellea Quercifolia
References
- “Vasconcellea Pubescens.” Prota4U. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://database.prota4u.org/pt/ProtaBase/Plantae/Vasconcellea+pubescens.
- “Vasconcellea Pubescens.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 14, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:145387-2.
- “Growing Vasconcellea Pubescens (Mountain Papaya).” Gardening Know How. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/papaya/growing-mountain-papaya.htm.
