Papaya fruits are smooth skinned. They vary widely in size and shape, depending on variety and type of plant. Female plants of 'Solo' varieties produce round fruits. The fruits usually contain many seeds surrounded by a smooth yellow to orange-red flesh that is sweet in good varieties. Within varieties, flower type is usually identified by flower size and shape.
Female flowers are relatively large and rounded at the base.
They have a stigma but lack stamens. They generally must receive pollen in order to set fruit. Pollen can be carried by wind or by insects. Male flowers are thin and tubular. Hermaphrodite flowers are intermediate between female and male flowers in size and shape.