The spelling of the word "carica" can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription [kəˈɹaɪkə]. The first syllable is pronounced with a 'k' sound followed by a schwa ('ə') sound. The second syllable has a long 'i' sound and the last syllable ends with a 'k' sound. This word refers to a genus of tropical American trees that bear fruits known as papayas. It is important to properly spell scientific names, including carica, to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy in research and communication.
Carica is a noun that derives from the Latin word "caricare," meaning "to load" or "to burden." It is typically used in botany to refer to a genus of tropical trees or shrubs belonging to the family Caricaceae. These plants are commonly known as papayas, which are native to Central and South America and now extensively cultivated in various tropical regions around the world.
The carica genus is characterized by its large, palm-like leaves and succulent, fleshy fruits. The papaya fruit is typically oblong or pear-shaped, with a smooth, thin, and yellowish-green skin that turns yellow when ripe. It contains a cavity filled with numerous small, black seeds surrounded by sweet, orange to pinkish-red flesh. Known for its delicious taste and high nutritional value, the papaya is widely consumed both fresh and in various culinary preparations.
Beyond their culinary significance, papayas have also been used for their medicinal properties. The fruit is a rich source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, which aid in digestion and promote a healthy immune system. Additionally, papayas contain an enzyme called papain, known for its digestive properties and often utilized in the production of certain dietary supplements.
In summary, carica is a genus of tropical plants, specifically papaya trees or shrubs, which bear delicious fruit known for its sweet flesh, significant nutritional benefits, and medicinal properties.
Papaya, papaw.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word carica has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Latin word caricare, which means to load or to burden. This Latin term later evolved into caricare in Italian, with the same meanings of to load or to burden. From there, it made its way into other Romance languages such as Spanish (cargar), Portuguese (carregar), and French (charger) while retaining similar meanings. In English, carica is less commonly used, but it can refer to a genus of tropical American shrubs or the common name for a specific species of fig (Carica papaya). The ultimate origin of the Latin caricare is uncertain, but it may be related to the Latin word carrus meaning cart or wagon.