Papaya (Carica papaya)

Some ripe papaya growing.

This is a very fast growing tree which bears fruit that is very healthy to eat. An ornamental plant with edible fruits is always nice to have in your garden. Papaya is used as an ingredient in many other foods and can be eaten raw or cooked. There is an enzyme in the dried milky sap of the fruit called Papain which is used as a meant tenderizer.

Picture taken from: www.flickr.com