 |
Related
Species:
Papayuelo (Carica goudotiana) Orange Papaya (C. monoica), Papaya (C. papaya), Toronchi (C. pubescens), Chamburro (C. stipulata). Hybrids of Babaco and other Carica spp. also exist.
Distant affinity:
Papaya Orejona (Jacartia mexicana), Mamao (J. spinosa).
Adaptation:
The babaco thrives in a cool subtropical climate,
free of frost. In California it grows in coastal areas of the southern
part of the state and with some protection as far north as the San
Francisco Bay area. With some shade it will grow in the warmer interior
regions, but high temperatues and low humidity may result in sunburned
fruit and immature fruit drop. The babaco is much more tolerant
of cool, damp winters than the papaya. It will withstand temperatures
to about 28° F, although it may lose most of its leaves. The babaco
is ideally suited to container culture
and also excellent for greenhouses.
DESCRIPTION
Growth Habits: The babaco is a small,
herbaceous shrub, that grows to about 6 feet in height, with an erect
softwood trunk lined with leaf scars typical of other caricas. The
plant rarely branches but shoots often appear around the base. The
thickness of the trunk is associated with the vigor of the plant.
Foliage: The moderately large, palmate
leaves have prominent ribs and veins and are on long hollow petioles
that radiate from the trunk. The average life of a leaf is 4 to 6 months.
During the cold winter months the leaves degenerate and are gradually
shed.
Flowers: Flowers form on the newly
developing trunk during the growth phase of the tree. Usually the
thicker the trunk, the more prolific the flowering will be. The flowers,
usually solitary on the end of a long pendulous stalk, arise from
every leaf axil. The flowers are all female.
Fruit: Babaco fruits set parthenocarpically,
as there are no seeds present in the fruit. The young fruits set and
grow immediately after flowering, reaching a maximum expansion phase
during October-November. At this point the fruits reach a length of
about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. They are distinctly five-sided,
rounded at the stem end and pointed at the apex. The onset of maturity
is recognized by the yellowing of the fruit, first in patches on the
sides of the fruit and gradually extending over the total area of
the fruit during the following weeks. Fruits ripen in progression
from the lower fruits, usually the heaviest, to those higher up the
trunk. The flesh of the babaco is very juicy, slightly acidic and
low in sugar. The unique flavor has been described as having overtones
of strawberry, pineapple and papaya. The smooth, thin skin is also
edible.
CULTURE
Location: Babacos like a warm location
protected from winds. They will grow and fruit in shady locations
but prefer a sunny spot. The smallish plants fit nicely in many
parts of the yard, and with their broa green leaves and vertically
held fruit add an exotic touch to the landscape.
Soils: Babacos prefer a light,
fertile, well-drained soil. Although not as fussy about cold, wet
soils as the papaya, the plants perform best in moderately dry winter
conditions. Like papayas, the babaco does not tolerate salty water
or soil.
Irrigation: Adequate rainfall or irrigation is essential during
the growing phase of the babaco. A plant that has been injured by
frost is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization:
During the growing season the babaco needs regular applications
of nitrogen fertilizers. Feed monthly and adjust to the plant's
response. Composted chicken manure makes a good mulch.
Pruning: To obtain maximum quality
and size of fruit only one trunk should be allowed to grow. Shoots
that form around the base of the plant should be removed, although
a second shoot is allowed to develop from about September. At this
time of the year the shoot will grow rapidly, but will not initiate
flower buds. To control the height of the tree it is not recommended
to crop one trunk for more than one or two years. The trunk that
bore the current season fruits is cut back to the stump, to the
point where the second shoot was left the year before. This second
shoot will now become the new plant.
Frost Protection: Babacos prefer
frost-free conditions, but the smallish plants can easily be tucked
into protected areas such as next to a building under the eaves
or a favorable spot in the patio. Otherwise they can be protected
by plastic sheeting, etc. draped over a frame around the plants.
Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area.
Propagation: Since babacos are
seedless, they must be propagated asexually. Wood for propagation
is taken from the parent plant by cutting the entire trunk diagonally
about 1 foot from the ground (or back to the second shoot), and
making 1 foot cutting lengths from it. This should be done after
fruiting but before the next flush of growth. The cuttings are then
dipped in a fungicide bath and the rooting end dipped in a rooting
hormone. The cuttings are then set vertically in a low-moisture
medium such as sand or sandy loam to form callouses. With the first
sign of roots and the beginnings of new leaves, they can be planted
out, about 8 inches below ground level. Within 15 months these new
plants are producing fruit.
Pests and diseases: It is important
to start with virus-free material. During moist spells fungal diseases
can affect the leaves, but this is seldom a problem in California.
Other diseases include powdery mildew and Phytophthora root rot.
The major pests affecting the babaco are the two spotted mite, Tetranychus
uraticae and the strawberry mite, Tetranychus atlanticus. Control
can be difficult since most miticides are phytotoxic to babaco leaves.
Predatory mites do give reasonable control. Slugs and the California
brown snail can damage the fruit and must be controlled. The plants
are attractive to deer who will consume most of the foliage and
young fruits.
Harvest: Commercially grown babaco
fruit is picked at the first sign of yellow coloration. Fruit picked
at this stage will ripen fully off the plant. In home plantings
the fruit can be left on until almost fully yellow but may sometimes
fall and bruise. To harvest, the fruit stalk can be snipped off
with a clipper, or the fruit can be removed by lifting the fruit
and then pulling away it from the stalk. Ripe fruit takes careful
handling. The fruit is best eaten fresh when fully ripe. Being seedless
the whole fruit can be eaten, including the skin. A little sugar
enhances its flavor. Pieces of the fruit can also be added to fruit
salads. Babaco fruits make a quick and interesting drink when processed
in a blender with a little honey or added sugar. With the addition
of ice cream or frozen yogurt it becomes a tasty milkshake. The
fruit also makes an excellent preserve, and can be made into a pie
when mixed with other fruits. One of the most attractive features
of the babaco is its excellent keeping quality. Even without cool
storage the fruit has a shelf-life of four weeks. Fruit that has
been damaged will still keep a long time, since the damaged part
will not spread to healthy tissue. Cool storage extends the life
of the fruit. Optimum storage temperature is 40° F.
Commercial Potential:The babaco
is grown commercially in Ecuador and as an export fruit in New Zealand.
There is limited production in southern California where is is sometimes
found in Farmers's Markets and specialty markets. The fruit has
several factors in its favor and with adequate promotion could find
a wider marketing niche. The fruit is attractive when sold in a
yellow ripe stage, and stores well even after it has been cut. In
addition the plants are highly productive and not culturally demanding.
Prunings are used for cuttings which become producing plants within
a year. The compactness and productivity of the babaco plants makes
it a good candidate for greenhouse production.
CULTIVARS
There are no recognized babaco cultivars at this time, although
improved varieties are possible with proper selection. Hybrids with
Carica pubescens produce edible fruit, but nothing as good as the
babaco.
|
|
|
AVAILABLE FROM:
Exotica Nursery Inc.
Vista, CA
Laguna Hills Nursery
El Toro, CA
Roger & Shirley Meyer
Fountain Valley, CA
Oregon Exotics
Grants Pass, OR
Pacific Tree Farms
Chula Vista, CA
Papaya Tree Nursery
Granada Hills, CA
Ben Poirier
Fallbrook, CA
Raintree Nursery
Morton, WA
Tropical Oasis Farms
Cucamonga, CA
|
|
