The papaya (Carica papaya), also known as pawpaw, is a plant species in the family Caricaceae, and also the name of the plant's fruit. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern-day southern Mexico and Central America and is now grown in several countries in regions with a tropical climate. The papaya fruit is a large berry about 15–45 cm long and 10–30 cm in diameter. The fruit is cultivated for food , being typically consumed when ripe and eaten raw without skin or seeds. The black seeds are also edible and have a sharp, spicy taste. This photograph shows the longitudinal section of a papaya fruit, with orange flesh and numerous black seeds.Photograph credit: Ivar Leidus