Caricaceae
Caricaceae Dumort. comprises six genera and approximately 35–40 species, most of which are native to tropical America and tropical Africa. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of Caricaceae and its close relationship with other families in Brassicales, particularly Moringaceae and Capparaceae. The family is readily recognized by its soft-wooded habit, milky latex, palmately lobed leaves, and large fleshy berries.
Key characteristics
- Soft-wooded trees or shrubs with abundant milky latex
- Leaves large, alternate, and deeply palmately lobed
- Plants monoecious, dioecious, or polygamous
- Flowers unisexual or bisexual, usually pentamerous
- Superior ovary
- Fruit a large fleshy berry with numerous black seeds
- Stems marked with conspicuous leaf scars
Distribution
Caricaceae is distributed primarily in the tropical regions of Central and South America, with a secondary centre of diversity in tropical Africa. Species occur naturally in tropical rainforests, seasonally dry forests, foothills, and disturbed habitats from sea level to montane regions. Carica papaya has been introduced and cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and is now naturalized in many countries. Caricaceae is not indigenous to Pakistan. The family is represented almost entirely by the cultivated papaya (Carica papaya), which is grown, and parts of where winters are relatively mild. Papaya is cultivated in home gardens, orchards, research farms, and botanical gardens, and occasional escaped plants may occur near cultivated areas but are not considered part of the native flora.