Article: Multipurpose papaya earns [a.sup.+] in nutrition.

The Folklore. Grown worldwide in tropical climates, papaya (Carica papaya) is believed to have originated in Mexico and Central America. When cut, the unripe fruit and leaves ooze a milky latex that's been used for centuries to treat worms and parasites as well as to make a poultice for warts and freckles.

The Facts. Though it resembles a tree, a papaya plant is actually an overgrown herb, known as an herbaceous perennial. Eventually, it grows to 20 to 30 feet, producing melon-like oval fruits six to 20 inches long.

Especially sensitive to frost and viruses, commercial papaya production in the U.S. is limited to Hawaii, where a viral outbreak threatened its future ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!