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1.Jackfruit Tree — Overview
The Jackfruit Tree, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a majestic evergreen species belonging to the Moraceae family, which also includes mulberries and figs. Native to the biodiverse regions spanning from the Western Ghats of Southern India to Southeast Asia, this tree is globally celebrated for producing the largest tree-borne fruit.
Mature specimens typically reach heights of 15-25 meters (49-82 ft) with impressive trunk diameters up to 1 meter (3.3 ft), providing dense canopy shade with its large, glossy, dark green, alternate, oblong to elliptical leaves.
A distinctive botanical feature of A. heterophyllus is its cauliflory, where the massive fruits, botanically classified as a multiple fruit or syncarp, emerge directly from the trunk and older, thicker branches. These fruits can attain astounding sizes, often weighing up to 55 kg (120 lb) and measuring 90 cm (35 in) long and 50 cm (20 in) in diameter.
The exterior transitions from a rough, spiky green to a yellowish-brown upon ripening. Internally, the fruit is segmented into numerous fleshy 'bulbs' or arils, each enveloping a single seed, surrounded by a fibrous, stringy matrix. The ripe arils offer a unique flavor profile often likened to a fusion of pineapple, banana, and mango.
Unripe jackfruit, with its neutral taste and fibrous, meat-like texture, has gained prominence as a culinary staple and meat alternative in vegetarian and vegan diets. Beyond its culinary versatility, various parts of the Jackfruit Tree—including the fruit, seeds, leaves, bark, and roots—have been traditionally utilized for their diverse therapeutic properties across indigenous medical systems for centuries.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Artocarpus heterophyllus:
Jackfruit Tree should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Jackfruit Tree — Key Features
- World's largest tree — borne fruit (up to 55 kg).
- Native to India — Native to India and Southeast Asia.
- Evergreen tree, reaching 15 — 25 meters tall.
- Cauliflorous fruiting habit — Cauliflorous fruiting habit (fruit on trunk/branches).
- Distinctive sweet aroma — Distinctive sweet aroma when ripe.
- Unripe fruit used — Unripe fruit used as a culinary meat substitute.
- Seeds are edible — Seeds are edible and nutritious when cooked.
- Rich in dietary — Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (C, B), and minerals (K, Mg).
- Contains beneficial antioxidants — Contains beneficial antioxidants and phytochemicals.
- Valued in traditional — Valued in traditional medicine for various therapeutic properties.
1.2.Jackfruit Tree — Quick Summary
- Largest tree-borne fruit, native to South and Southeast Asia.
- Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Supports digestion, immunity, and blood sugar regulation.
- Culinary versatility as a fruit and meat substitute.
- Traditional uses span across various parts of the tree.
- Potential interactions with medications; caution advised for allergies.
2.Jackfruit Tree — Scientific Identity
3.Jackfruit Tree — Categories & Tags
4.Jackfruit Tree — Appearance & Identification
5.Jackfruit Tree — Water Requirements
- Optimal Climate — Thrives in warm, humid tropical conditions (USDA zones 10-12) with temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C).
- Sunlight Requirement — Requires full sun exposure, at least six hours daily, for robust growth and fruit production.
- Soil Preference — Prefers loamy, moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6-7 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Watering — Needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization — Fertilize twice yearly in spring and fall with a slow-release granular fertilizer, supplemented with annual compost.
- Propagation — Commonly propagated by grafting or fresh seeds; stem cuttings are less successful but possible with rooting hormone.
- Spacing — Plant at least 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) away from other structures or plants due to its large mature size.
- Pruning — Minimal pruning for young trees; for mature trees, prune after harvest to remove dead branches and manage height, encouraging lateral growth.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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