Papaya and mamey are not the same thing. While they both come from tropical trees and produce edible fruits, they are different in terms of their tree species, fruit shape, and skin appearance.
1. Tree Species:
Papaya comes from the Carica papaya tree, which is native to tropical America. This evergreen tree can grow quite large, reaching heights of up to 30 feet. It has a single stem with a crown of large, lobed leaves and produces fruits on long stalks.
Mamey, on the other hand, comes from the Mammea americana tree. This evergreen tree is also native to tropical America and can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has a dense canopy of glossy, dark green leaves and produces fruits directly on the branches.
2. Fruit Shape:
Papaya fruits are typically large and elongated, resembling a large melon. They can vary in size, but on average, they are around 7-20 inches long and weigh 1-10 pounds. The shape is generally cylindrical with tapered ends.
Mamey fruits, on the other hand, are round or football-shaped. They can be quite large as well, ranging from 4-8 inches in diameter. The fruit shape is more rounded and plump compared to papaya.
3. Skin Appearance:
Papaya fruits have a smooth, thin, and slightly waxy skin when ripe. The color of the skin can vary from green to yellow and even orange, depending on the variety. Ripe papayas have a bright yellow or orange flesh inside, with black seeds in the center.
Mamey fruits have a dull, rough skin texture, which is often brown or reddish-brown in color. The skin can be thick and tough, protecting the soft, orange or reddish flesh inside. Mamey fruits also have large, shiny black seeds embedded within the flesh.
While both papaya and mamey belong to the tropical fruit family, they are different in terms of their tree species, fruit shape, and skin appearance. Papaya fruits are elongated, have a smooth skin, and come from the Carica papaya tree. Mamey fruits are round or football-shaped, have a rough skin, and come from the Mammea americana tree.
