Wild breadfruit
Artocarpus nobilis

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A large tree. The crown is large. The branches are spreading. The leaves are alternate and large. They are 25-45 cm long by 17-30 cm wide. They are broadly oval and taper at the base. They are dark green above and pale underneath. Male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. Male flowers are in spikes and female flowers are near the ends of branches. The fruit are club like and they have many seeds. The seeds are round and 1.3 cm across. They are pale brown.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Sri Lanka in the lowlands especially in drier areas and up to 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The tender portions of the fruit and the seeds are boiled and eaten. The seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack. Seeds can be dried and stored.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aresini-pilaka, Arsini pla, Asiri-pillakai, Bedi-del, Sinhala del, Wal-del

Synonyms

Artocarpus pubescens Moon [Invalid]; Saccus nobilis Kuntze;