Papaya (Carica papaya) is a small tropical tree with a straight stem marked by scars where leaves have fallen directly from it. Papayas do not have branches. The papaya fruit is pear-shaped with a bright golden-yellow skin. The flesh of the fruit is a brighter orange-yellow, juicy and silky smooth, with a sweet and sour flavor. The shiny gray or black seeds in the interior of the fruit have a peppery taste and are edible, although they are usually discarded. The papaya is an extraordinarily useful plant.