Chempedak
Artocarpus integer

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A tree up to 20-35 m tall. The trunk can be 55 cm across. The bark is dark grey or red-brown. The twigs are 2-4 mm thick. The leaves are leathery. They are oval and 5-25 cm long by 2.5-12 cm wide. The base of the leaf tapers. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. The male heads are pale green or yellow. They are finger like and 30-55 mm long by 9-12 mm wide. They are smooth. The flower stalk is 25-60 mm long. The fruit is a compound fruit. It is produced on the trunk and main branches. It can be 20-50 cm long by 10-15 cm wide. The skin is yellow to brown. There are many fleshy spines over the fruit. The flesh of the fruit is yellow to light brown, It has a slimy texture. The fruit are edible. The seeds are oblong. They are 30 mm long by 20 mm wide. They are covered in a cream slimy coat.

There are about 50 Artocarpus species. They are in the tropics and subtropics of Asia and the Pacific.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits hot, wet tropical lowlands. It needs year round moisture. It grows in the high forest in Malaysia from sea level to 1300 m altitude. In XTBG Yunnan. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Cape Verde, China, Cuba, Guam, India, Indochina, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Malaysia (country/location of origin), Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Papua, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, Thailand, West Indies

How it is used for food

The flesh is eaten raw or fried together with the seed. It is also used for pickles. Young fruit are eaten as a vegetable. They can be added to soups. The ripe seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten. The young leaves are eaten.

It is popular and sold in local markets in season.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Seed remain viable for several weeks. Plants are often grown from seed. The can be grown by budding or grafting. Light shade is essential. A spacing of 12-14 m is suitable.

Growth is slow. Trees produce fruit after 5 years from germination. A tree can produce 100 fruit each year. Fruit may weigh 25 kg.

Its other names

Local names

Bangkong, Banturung manuk, Baroh, Beluno, Bukoh, Campedek, Cempedak, Champada, Chubadak, Kakan, Mangkahai, Nakan, Nangka berit, Nangka tjomedak, Pohon cempedak, Pulutan, Sempedak, Sachram, Sonekadot, Temedak, Tibadak, Tibudak

Synonyms

Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Stokes; Artocarpus hirsutissima Kurz.; Artocarpus integer var. silvestris Corner; Artocarpus integrifolius L. f., nom. illeg.; Artocarpus jaca Lam.; Artocarpus macrocarpon (Thunb.) Dancer; Artocarpus polyphema Pers.; Polyphema champeden Lour.; Radermachia integra Thunb.; Saccus arboreus minor Rumph.; Sitodium macrocarpon Thunb.;