Pawpaws and papayas share many similarities and are often thought of as the same fruit. This is a misconception, however, as the two trees are completely different species: Asimina triloba and Carica papaya. The papaya tree grows to heights of over 30 feet, which is over twice the size of the average pawpaw tree. The fruits are similar in appearance, both being oblong and melon-shaped, but papayas are almost three times the size of pawpaws and have a less-creamy flavor.