Jackfruit

Fruit & Nut Trees

*Artocarpus* is a genus of about 60 species of trees and shrubs belonging to the mulberry family, Moraceae. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, this genus is renowned for its large, edible fruits. The most famous member of this genus is the jackfruit (*Artocarpus heterophyllus*), which produces the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. Other notable species include the breadfruit (*Artocarpus altilis*), a staple food in many tropical regions. Trees in the *Artocarpus* genus are typically evergreen, though some are deciduous. They are characterized by their large, alternate, and leathery leaves. The plants are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The "fruit" is technically a syncarp, a fleshy, compound fruit formed from the fusion of the ovaries of multiple flowers. Jackfruit, for instance, can weigh up to 55 kg (121 lb) and contain hundreds of seeds, each enclosed in a fleshy pulp. The genus *Artocarpus* holds immense economic and cultural significance. The fruits of many species, particularly jackfruit and breadfruit, are important food sources. The ripe fruit is sweet and eaten fresh or used in desserts, while the unripe fruit is cooked as a vegetable in many cuisines. The seeds are also edible when cooked. Beyond its culinary uses, various parts of the *Artocarpus* trees have traditional medicinal applications, including treatments for fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The wood is durable and used for construction and furniture, and the trees are also valued in permaculture and agroforestry systems for their resilience and multiple uses.