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Artocarpus spp.
artocarpus
Tropical South and Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands
Overview
Artocarpus spp. is a genus of about 60 species of evergreen and briefly deciduous tropical trees in the mulberry family Moraceae, native to South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. The genus includes several major food crops, among them breadfruit (A. altilis), jackfruit (A. heterophyllus), and cempedak (A. integer). Trees typically reach 30-100 ft (9-30 m) tall with a dense, spreading canopy and exude a sticky white latex when cut. Leaves are large, leathery, and often deeply lobed in juvenile growth, ranging 4-24 in (10-60 cm) long and dark green above. Plants are monoecious, bearing separate male and female flower clusters; the tiny flowers crowd onto fleshy spikes or heads rather than forming open blooms. Female heads develop into large compound fruits built from many fused flowers; jackfruit fruits reach 80 lb (36 kg) and 36 in (90 cm) long. The genus grows in humid lowland tropics and is frost-sensitive, limited to USDA zones 10 to 12. Trees grown from seed begin bearing fruit within three to eight years depending on species.
Native Range
Artocarpus spp. is native to the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands. Breadfruit and jackfruit have been carried by people across the tropics and are now cultivated throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.Suggested Uses
Artocarpus spp. trees are grown as fruit and shade trees in tropical orchards, home gardens, and agroforestry plantings. Breadfruit and jackfruit are staple food crops, and the timber of some species is used for construction and carving. The dense canopy casts shade in tropical landscapes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 60'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs through the warm wet months, with timing varying by species and climate. The small flowers crowd on fleshy spikes or heads and are wind- and insect-pollinated. In equatorial climates some species flower and fruit nearly year-round.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight