Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) Vasconcellea pubescens
Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) (Vasconcellea pubescens) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Caricaceae family, native to Andes from Colombia to Bolivia; cultivated in central Chile. It grows 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caricaceae |
| Mature height | 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: cooked fruit |
| Native to | Andes from Colombia to Bolivia; cultivated in central Chile |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: latex
The milky latex of unripe fruit and stems (rich in papain-like enzymes) irritates skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela)
- How far apart should I plant Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) flower?
- From about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The milky latex of unripe fruit and stems (rich in papain-like enzymes) irritates skin.
- What grows well with Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mountain papaya (chamburo, papayuela). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A cool-climate papaya relative with five-ridged, fragrant yellow fruit eaten cooked, in syrup or as jam (La Serena, Chile); tolerates light frost unlike true papaya. Formerly Carica pubescens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica