Gutsy papaya overcoming adversity: Tree trunk growing through gaps in machinery bears fruit

Gutsy papaya overcoming adversity: Tree trunk growing through gaps in machinery bears fruit

The papaya tree has pushed through the gaps in machinery and now bears beautiful fruit (January 30, Nishieue, Ie)


February 9, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Mitsue Chinen

 

Ie – In Nishieue, Ie, a single papaya tree grows in front of a farmer’s shed. The roots are twisted and the trunk has forced its way through the gaps in a discarded piece of farm equipment, but this tree stubbornly continues to grow. This has earned the tree attention and the name “gutsy papaya.”

According to farmers in the area, the tree first put out buds last summer. Soon after, a typhoon hit the island. The strong winds battered and bent the tree. A gust of wind picked up a nearby net and deposited it over top of the tree. Even so, the tree didn’t wither, but continued growing.

However, even before that, a tractor rotary tiller was discarded there. This should have been the end, but the gutsy papaya forced its way through gaps in the machinery and still continued to grow. In spite of the many challenges the tree has faced, its branches are currently heavy with fruit.

Neighbors say, “the tree’s grit has allowed it to overcome adversity and gives us strength to carry on.”

(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

Go to Japanese

 


　


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