Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, a tropical evergreen tree in the Moraceae family. Native to the Western Ghats of India, it's cultivated throughout the tropics for its massive, versatile fruit.

Description

Tree 30–70 feet tall with a dense, rounded canopy. Leaves are glossy, leathery, elliptical, 4–8 inches long. Monoecious. Male flowers on new wood; female flowers on old wood/trunk (cauliflory). Fruit is enormous—10–80 lbs (up to 100+), oblong, covered in blunt, greenish-yellow spines. Interior contains hundreds of sweet, aromatic, yellow bulbs (arils) surrounding large seeds. Ripe fruit smells like pineapple/banana.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 10–12 (strictly tropical). Mature trees tolerate brief 32°F (0°C).
• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, rich, slightly acidic. Avoid shallow/rocky soil.
• Water: Regular moisture; not drought-tolerant. 60+ inches rainfall ideal.
• Temperature: 75–95°F (24–35°C); cold-sensitive.

Care & Maintenance

Mulch heavily. Feed 3×/year with balanced fertilizer. Prune for structure and height control. Hand-pollinate for better set. Fruit matures 3–8 months after flowering. Harvest when spines flatten and aroma develops. Grafted trees bear in 3–4 years.

Uses

Ripe bulbs eaten fresh, in desserts, smoothies. Unripe fruit cooked as vegetable (meat substitute). Seeds boiled/roasted. Timber, latex, medicine. Agroforestry shade tree.

Potential Issues

Fruit flies, borers, root rot. Wind damage (shallow roots). Requires space and tropical climate. Latex allergies.

A spectacular, multi-use tropical tree that feeds communities with a single fruit.