EVEN MORE TROPPO
BABACO, CARICA PENTAGONA
One of my absolute favourite fruits, but not often seen for sale in fruit shops because of its soft skin and perishability.
Origin: Highland regions of Andes Mountains in Ecuador.
Height: 2–2.5m.
Climate: Subtropical to warm temperate. Light frost is tolerated.
Growing: Must have perfect drainage but adequate watering. Best in semi-shade with protection from strong winds, the babaco dislikes a combination of high temperatures and low humidity.
Pollination: Self-pollinating. Can only be propagated via stem cuttings or tissue culture.
Fruit: Shown at left, yellow and quite unlike its sister fruit the pawpaw. The cream-coloured flesh free of seeds is light, refreshing, slightly acidic, tasting of a combination of pineapple, papaya and strawberry. The fruit is also full of delicious
