Caricaceae belongs to the order Brassicales. It is also known as Papaya family.
The Caricaceae is a small family of flowering plants native to tropical regions of the Americas and parts of Africa. Members of this family are typically soft-wooded shrubs or small trees with deeply lobed leaves and a hollow stem structure. Many species produce latex and exhibit a clear preference for warm, humid climates. They are often dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, and their fruits are usually fleshy, aromatic, and rich in nutrients.
The most economically significant member is Carica papaya, or papaya, widely cultivated for its sweet, orange-fleshed fruit. Native to Central America, papaya is grown across tropical and subtropical zones worldwide. Its fruit is consumed fresh or processed into juices, jams, and dried snacks. In addition, the plant contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme found in the latex and used in meat tenderizers and traditional medicine.
Total genera found for Caricaceae: 2
- 1) Carica
- 2) Vasconcellea
Total plants found for Caricaceae: 3
- 1) Babaco
- 2) Mountain papaya
- 3) Papaya