The Papaya Tree, aka Carica Papaya, is a small, branchless, tropical tree with deeply palmate leaves. This particular tree bears golden-colored, pear-shaped fruit called papaya. The papaya tree is cultivated in most tropical climates around the world. Its fruit is typically juiced or enjoyed as breakfast and the leaves eaten as a vegetable. Beyond a food source, papaya leaf has also been employed for its beneficial properties for centuries. Papaya leaves are typically steeped as tea or used in external applications.