Papaya, (Carica papaya), also called papaw or pawpaw, succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae. Though its origin is rather obscure, the papaya may represent the fusion of two or more species of Carica native to Mexico and Central America. Today it is cultivated throughout the tropical world and into the warmest parts of the subtropics. It has been a popular breakfast fruit for many countries and is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The unripe fruit can be cooked like squash.
