Artocarpus altilis
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis; also known as breadfruit) is a Moraceae fruit plant grown for its fruit. The accepted scientific name is used as the canonical page title.
| Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Artocarpus altilis |
| Genus | Artocarpus |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Growth and size | Evergreen tree; 10–25 m |
| Climate and site | Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but drained soil; humid tropical climate |
| Propagation | Root cuttings, air-layers, or selected vegetative material; seed absent in many cultivars |
| Fruit and harvest | Repeated warm-season crops; starchy syncarp eaten green or ripe |
Identification and description
Breadfruit is a high-yielding tropical tree crop with starchy syncarps. Most named cultivars are seedless or nearly so and are propagated vegetatively.
The accepted genus, family, and order are Artocarpus, Moraceae, and Rosales.
Growing
Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but drained soil; humid tropical climate. Provide airflow and avoid standing water unless the species is being grown in a deliberately wet habitat.
Soil
Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but drained soil; humid tropical climate; 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
Root cuttings, air-layers, or selected vegetative material; seed absent in many cultivars. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality and maturity; use grafting or other clonal methods when a named selection must be preserved.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest
Repeated warm-season crops; starchy syncarp eaten green or ripe. 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.
Photos
No image is included until an individual Wikimedia Commons file can be checked for subject accuracy and license.
Commentary
Growers are welcome to share observations on the talk page, including climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering, fruiting, and growing conditions.