Review: Papaya is a small tree, the single stem growing from 5 to 10 m tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The flowers are similar in shape to the flowers of the Plumeria but are much smaller and wax like. The primary use of the papaya is as an edible fruit. The ripe fruit is usually eaten raw, without the skin or seeds.Papaya is rich in an enzyme called papain, a protease which is useful in tenderizing meat and other proteins.Excessive consumption of papaya, as of carrots, can cause carotenemia, the yellowing of soles and palms which is otherwise harmless.