​Papaya trees are among the fastest-growing tropical fruit plants, often producing their first fruit within a year of planting. Interestingly, papayas are not true trees but large, tree-like herbaceous plants with hollow stems and broad, tropical leaves. Their fruit ranges from yellow to deep orange or reddish flesh, with flavors varying from mild and melon-like to exceptionally sweet and aromatic. Papayas thrive in Florida’s warm climate, where they can produce fruit nearly year-round when protected from frost.