Artocarpus lacucha
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Scientific name | Artocarpus lacucha [1] | Common names | Lakoocha; monkey jack | Genus | Artocarpus | Family | Moraceae | Order | Rosales | Growth form | Deciduous fruit tree | Native range | South and Southeast Asia, from China and India through mainland Southeast Asia to Indonesia [2][3][4] | Mature size | About 6–18 m | Climate/site | Humid tropical; forest sites from near sea level to about 1,800 m | Propagation | Fresh seed; root cuttings; air layering | Fruit | Sub-acid, up to about 7.5 cm long | Harvest | Gathered or locally marketed; species-wide calendar varies | Years to fruit | N/A; a supported species-wide bearing-age value is not established | |
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Artocarpus lacucha is a deciduous Asian fruit tree known as lakoocha or monkey jack. It has a dense, spreading crown and is grown or gathered mainly for its edible fruit. [3]
Description
The tree is usually about 6–18 m tall and develops a broad, dense crown. Its native habitats include evergreen, semievergreen, and moist deciduous forests; limestone mountain forest is recorded in southern Yunnan, and the species occurs to about 1,800 m in other parts of its range. [3]
Cultivation
Soil and water
In nature, Artocarpus lacucha occurs in forest soils, including limestone mountain settings. Cultivated plants prefer deep, permeable soil with a dependable supply of moisture, but drainage should remain good rather than seasonally stagnant. [4]
Sun and humidity
The species is suited to humid tropical conditions. Young plants benefit from a sheltered, evenly moist site; once established, the tree can be grown in open sun where moisture is maintained. [3]
Seasonal changes
Native populations include moist deciduous forest, and the species can occur in climates with a distinct dry season of up to about three months. Reduce irrigation only enough to reflect the local seasonal rhythm; do not allow a container or newly planted tree to dry deeply. A single species-wide flowering or harvest calendar is not established. [3][5]
Propagation
Seed loses viability quickly and is best sown as soon as it is ripe. The thin seed coat should be handled carefully. Fresh seed germinates best at about 24–27 °C; seedlings can be raised in containers and planted out at roughly 20–25 cm tall. Root cuttings and air layering are also recorded propagation methods. [5]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest
A supported species-wide age to first fruit and universal flowering calendar is not available. Fruit is gathered from wild trees and sold in local markets in parts of the range; harvest timing therefore depends on locality and plant condition. [3]
Fruit and uses
The fruit has a pleasant sub-acid flavor and may be eaten raw, although it is also used in curries and chutneys. Fruits may reach about 7.5 cm in length. The male inflorescence is acidic and astringent and is sometimes pickled or included in curry mixtures. [3]
Photos
References
Image credits
- Artocarpus lacucha KR.JPG — Krish Dulal, CC BY-SA 3.0; individual file page. Caption based on the file description: a twig of Artocarpus lacucha in Nepal.
- Artocarpus lacucha Buch.- Ham.jpg — Silviculture South, CC BY-SA 4.0; individual file page. Caption: Artocarpus lacucha foliage and young growth.
- Artocarpus lacucha বহঁত.jpg — Chiring chandan, CC BY-SA 4.0; individual file page. Caption: Artocarpus lacucha plant material shown in the file.
