Family: Caricaceae

Vasconcellea × pentagona, commonly known as babaco or mountain papaya, is a naturally occurring hybrid native to the Andean highlands of Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. It is a small, fast-growing, soft-wooded tree with a single trunk, large deeply lobed leaves, and smooth, five-sided, seedless fruits that resemble slender papayas. The fruit has a tangy, pineapple-like flavor and is commonly eaten fresh, juiced, or used in desserts, preserves, and beverages. Babaco is grown primarily as a backyard fruit tree and small-scale crop in subtropical and tropical regions with cooler elevations, valued for its attractive appearance and reliable fruit production.

Babaco is not currently considered a high-risk invasive species. Because it is a sterile hybrid that does not produce viable seeds, it spreads only through human propagation such as cuttings, which greatly limits its ability to escape cultivation. There are no known records of babaco forming self-sustaining wild populations or causing ecological harm. As with many cultivated fruit trees, potential risks are low and mainly related to improper disposal of plant material or association with pests and diseases that affect papaya relatives. When responsibly grown and managed, babaco poses minimal threat to native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Natural hybrid
  
• Thrives in subtropical climates
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Regrows after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness elsewhere
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• No seed set
  
• No seed bank