Artocarpus heterophyllus

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus; also known as jackfruit) is a Moraceae fruit plant grown for its fruit. The accepted scientific name is used as the canonical page title.

Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Scientific name	Artocarpus heterophyllus
Genus	Artocarpus
Family	Moraceae
Order	Rosales
Growth and size	Large evergreen tree; 10–25 m
Climate and site	Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid lowland conditions
Propagation	Fresh seed 2–8 weeks; grafting and cuttings for selected trees
Fruit and harvest	Large syncarp, often summer or wet-season; yellow arils around seeds

Identification and description

Jackfruit is a large cauliflorous tree bearing the world’s largest tree-borne fruit. Its yellow arils are sweet when ripe, while young fruit is used as a vegetable.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Artocarpus, Moraceae, and Rosales.

Growing

Jackfruit is a lowland Indo-Malayan rainforest tree with a broad, dense crown. It grows rapidly in deep fertile soil with regular moisture, but young trees are vulnerable to waterlogging and cold.

Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid lowland conditions. Provide airflow and avoid standing water unless the species is being grown in a deliberately wet habitat.

Soil

Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid lowland conditions; preserve native drainage and organic-matter conditions rather than treating all tropical fruit trees alike.

Sun and humidity

Most plants in this group prefer bright light; young trees may need shelter while roots establish. Humidity should be paired with airflow, not stagnant enclosure.

Seasonal changes

Flowering and harvest vary with local wet/dry or cool/warm cycles. Adjust irrigation to the species' native rhythm and protect warm-tropical plants during cool weather.

Propagation

Fresh seed 2–8 weeks; grafting and cuttings for selected trees. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality and maturity; use grafting or other clonal methods when a named selection must be preserved.

Field view or fruit detail of Artocarpus heterophyllus. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Large syncarp, often summer or wet-season; yellow arils around seeds. Local climate, cultivar, rootstock, pollination, and rainfall can shift the calendar substantially.

Fruit and uses

The ripe fruit is eaten fresh and may be used in drinks, preserves, desserts, or regional savory preparations. Handle ripe fruit carefully because many tropical fruits soften rapidly after harvest.

Commentary

Growers are welcome to share observations on the talk page, including climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering, fruiting, and growing conditions.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• Useful Tropical Plants: Artocarpus heterophyllus

Image credits

• Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits at tree.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jack fruit) tree in RDA, Bogra 02.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.