Babaco, Carica pentagon, also known as Mountain Papaya and Champagne Fruit, is a very close relative of the Pawpaw. In fact the Babaco is a natural but infertile hybrid between mountain Pawpaw species in Ecuador. Babaco is a small, sub-tropical, evergreen, fruit bearing tree that can grow at high altitudes over 2,000 meters, and the most cold-tolerant plant in the genus.

Carica pentagona leaves are big; hand-shaped and can reach 40cm across. They have obvious ribs and veins and they have a life of up to six months. However, during cold winters leaves can degenerate and gradually shed. Flowers form on newly developing trunk during the growth stage of the tree. They are commonly solitary born on the end of a long pendulous stalk, arise from the leaf axils. Flowers are all female.

Carica pentagona is branch-less or sparsely branched tree. It grows rapidly the first year 1.5-2 meters tall, when the plant starts fruiting. Fruits ripen in progression from the lower fruits, generally the heaviest, to those higher up the trunk Growth slows down the next few years, until eventually the tree is of 5-8 meters tall, unless pruned shorter.

Babaco Fruit

The texture of the golden, inviting, torpedo shaped fruit is light and refreshing. The slightly acid flavor has a suggestion of strawberry, pineapple and Pawpaw and can be made into a tasty thirst quenching drink. Fruit is seedless and the smooth skin can be also consumed. The unripe green fruit is delicious used as a green vegetable in curries and chutney.

The fruit of Babaco is generally less than 20 cm in diameter, narrower from that of the related papaya (Carica papaya) and averages 20 to 25cm in length and could weight up to 1kg each. A mature tree can reward you with 30 to 100 fruit per year. Fruits are harvested when they turn yellow all over. They are easily damaged and therefore should be handled with care.

Babaco Propagation Methods

Tree propagation is by cuttings. Babacos will grow readily from stem cuttings. The plant favors full sun but will to well in light shade. It requires a moist but very well drained soil. Carica pentagona is a member of the family Caricaceae the genus Vasconcell.

Babaco, Carica pentagona

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