The babaco (Carica x heilbornii Badillo nm.;pentagona (Heilborn) Badillo) is a perennial shrub of the papaya family found in the subtropical mountainous regions of Ecuador. It was first introduced to New Zealand in 1973 and is being grown for its unusual fruit.

FERTILISER REQUIREMENTS
Soils should be light and well drained, preferably with large amounts of organic matter incorporated before planting. The soil pH should be raised to between 6 and 6.5.

Babacos probably have a high phosphate requirement and superphosphate (about 1 tonne/ha) should be incorporated before planting. Young trees should be supplied with 100 g of a balanced 6:6:5 NPK fertiliser plus 100 g superphosphate three times a year in September, December and March. Dressings should be increased so that older trees receive 1-1.5 kg of each nutrient element per year. Alternatively, well matured chicken manure can be used, with 5 kg being spread around each tree every couple of months during the growing season.

Nitrogenous fertilisers should be used with caution as excessive N may lead to over vigorous plants and the production of soft fruit which do not handle well.

FURTHER READING
Endt, D.J.W. (1981). The babaco. The Orchardist of New Zealand 54: 58-59.

Harman, J.E. (1983). Preliminary studies on the postharvest physiology and storage of babaco fruit. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research; 26: 237-243.

Leigh, D.S. (1969). The Pawpaw. Bulletin H62, Division of Horticulture, New South Wales Department of Agriculture, Australia.