Help with papaya flower id

[Xhoniwaters1]

To me these flowers seem more female than male, but I am a bit uncertain of what they really are. I don't think the tree is a self pollinating variety because the flowers don't hold and this thing is already 7 plus feet. Maybe someone with a better eye can help.

[Xhoniwaters1]

Here is my other tree, obviously female....

[John in Andalucia]

Male papaya flowers are borne on long stalks, so yours can only be female or hermaphrodite. Female flowers are more bulbous, pear-shaped. Here's a shot of mine, which is hermaphrodite. In contrast, the flowers are long and cylindrical. Yours certainly looks like a female plant.

[Xhoniwaters1]

Thanks for that. Now comparing your tree to my 1st tree, I am thinking mine must be a hermaphrodite as well. But I am still not understanding why it is wanting to abort it's flowers though.

[John in Andalucia]

Flowers dropping could be due to insufficient water and nutrients. You can't over-water them at this time of year, and I throw heaps of all-round nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertiliser on mine. I'd say water-logged would be a good description!

[Xhoniwaters1]

Thanks for the papaya flower 101. I will adjust the amount of water it's receiving and see if that works.