Carica papaya

More rain this afternoon, after a partly cloudy morning. The temps have been cooler the last few days, actually quite a change from my first few weeks here, in which one could hardly escape the blazing tropical sun. I think if I had a choice, I'd go with the sun 98% of the time.

This is one of a couple of mature papaya trees on the property. Papaya is a fascinating plant with a tumultuous history here in Hawaii. It originates from South America, and was originally cultivated in large quantities in Mexico. It's worldwide now, but not without drama and intrigue. In the 1990's, the papaya industry in Hawaii was brought to its knees by the persistent and pervasive papaya ringspot virus, which nearly wiped out the entire crop. Efforts to prevent catastrophe resulted in genetically modified versions of papaya making their way to the islands. Later, in the mid 2000's, it was discovered that these GMOs had hybridized with remaining natural trees to a dramatic degree; as of today some 80% of papaya grown in Hawaii is genetically modified.

Not sure if this one is...I do know it's beautiful in the waning evening light.