Babaco cutting

Babaco cutting
Common name   Mountain papaya
Botanical name   Vasconcellea × heilbornii or Carica pentagona
Details  

Stem cuttings from mature plants growing under cover in North Canterbury

Propagate and grow your own babaco plants quick and easy with stem cuttings. Simply place the cutting 1 third into the soil (right way up) and keep damp in a sunny, sheltered, warm location. Roots will form around the bottom cut surface.

Plants are self fertile, so only one plant is required to set fruit.

High success rate and should produce fruit in 12 – 18 months.

Wind tolerance   poor due to big leaves
Flowers   white
Frost sensitive  
Edible  
Fruit / berries  
Perennial  
Tags     subtropical  fruit  cuttings  propagation 
Price   $3.90  15cm stem cutting
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The babaco plant (Carica pentagona), also known as "mountain papaya" is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub native to the highland regions of the Andes Mountains in South America. It is a close relative of the traditional papaya (Carica papaya) but is distinguishable by its unique growth habit and fruit characteristics.

Things to watch for:

  • Do not over water the young cuttings. Keep damp, not wet. A sandy mix low in organic matter can help.
  • Plants are susceptible to wind due to large leaves
  • Frosts can kill even larger trees
  • They don't like heavy, wet clay soil although with adequate drainage should be fine

 

Key features of the babaco plant:

  1. Appearance: The babaco plant typically grows to a height of around 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet). It has large, broad leaves that are deeply lobed and palm-like, making it an attractive ornamental plant in addition to its fruit-bearing qualities.
  2. Fruit: The fruit of the babaco plant is the main attraction. It is generally cylindrical, somewhat pear-shaped, and can reach up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) in length. When ripe, the fruit has a bright yellow or golden skin with prominent greenish-yellow stripes running the length of the fruit. The flesh inside is usually white, soft, and juicy with a mildly sweet and slightly tangy flavour reminiscent of a blend between a pineapple and a papaya.
  3. Growth Conditions: Babaco plants prefer a cool, temperate climate with mild temperatures, ideally ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). They thrive in well-draining, fertile soils, and adequate sunlight. The plant can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions as well but might need protection from direct sunlight in hotter climates.
  4. Propagation: Babaco plants can be propagated through seeds, but they are often grown from stem cuttings, which offer a more reliable and faster method of reproduction.
  5. Cultivation: To ensure optimal growth, babaco plants need regular watering and fertilization. Adequate support, such as stakes or trellises, might be necessary as the fruit can weigh down the branches. Pruning is also beneficial to promote air circulation and prevent disease.
  6. Harvesting: Babaco fruits are usually ready for harvest when they attain their full size and the skin turns yellowish. Unlike other papaya varieties, the babaco fruit can be picked while still firm and green, as it will continue to ripen off the plant.
  7. Culinary Uses: The babaco fruit is delicious and versatile. It can be eaten fresh, sliced, and added to fruit salads or used in smoothies and desserts. The flesh's texture and mild taste make it a popular ingredient in various culinary creations.
  8. Nutritional Value: Babaco fruits are a good source of vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin A), dietary fibre, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Due to its unique flavor and appealing appearance, babaco is gaining popularity not only in its native regions but also in other parts of the world where it can be cultivated successfully.

Babaco

Babaco

Common name   Babaco, Mountain Papaya, Champagne Fruit
Botanical name   Carica x heilbornii
Details   Produces large, yellow fruit pentagonal in cross-section - Self fertile.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Variety   Pentagona
Diameter   1.00
Height (m)   2
Flowers   Small white
Edible  
Evergreen  
Frost sensitive  
Fruit / berries  
Perennial  
Shade / Sun   Full sun - part shade
Soil type   Rich, free draining
Wind tolerance   Low (large leaves)
Tags     exotic  sub-tropical  fruit 
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