Papaya goes viral after seeds started sprouting inside the fruit

A piece of papaya became viral after its seeds were found to have begun sprouting while still inside the fruit.

According to the uploader, Mary Grace Buscato, the papaya was harvested by her mother from their backyard in San Pablo City, Laguna.

"Hinog na po siya, tapos po nung i-open po namin siya, nagulat po kami kasi meron siyang mga stem-stem. Na-amaze kami gawa nang first encounter namin 'yun," she said in Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday.

The phenomenon of seeds sprouting inside the fruit is not a normal occurrence. It's called vivipary, which can happen because of several reasons.

It might be that the fruit is overripe or not stored properly, or due to climate and humidity, or even genetic factors.

"Sa mga hybrid kadalasan doon nangyayari 'yung ganyan nga. Mauna mag-mature ang seeds atsaka huli 'yung pagkahinog ng pulp," said Rene Vendiola, a field guide from Silliman University.

Fruits like this are still safe to eat, as long as it's not yet rotting or spoiling and there's no mold or damaged parts. However, it is advisable to remove the seeds that have sprouted.

 The removed seeds can still be planted in the soil. —MGP, GMA Integrated News