Breadfruit
Artocarpus altilis
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Pl. 67F0 — Artocarpus altilis
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IOverview
Overview
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a large evergreen tree native to the Caroline Islands and Marianas. It thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay. This versatile plant grows up to 18 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit, which can be cooked and used similarly to bread or potatoes. The tree also produces flowers, leaves, and seeds that are all part of its edible offerings. One distinctive feature of the breadfruit is its large, compound leaves with a unique, lobed appearance. Another notable characteristic is its ability to propagate from young trees or suckers, making it easy to cultivate in suitable environments.
Quick answers
What is Breadfruit?
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a large evergreen tree native to the Caroline Islands and Marianas. It thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay.
What is Breadfruit used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Breadfruit
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Breadfruit appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Comfort
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Breadfruit thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a temperature range of 10-12. Propagate the tree using young trees or suckers. The plant grows to a height of 18 meters and produces edible flowers, fruit, leaves, and seeds. Ensure the soil pH remains between 4 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
18.0 m tall
Soil pH
4–7
- Propagation
- Young tree or suckers
For first-time growers
How to grow Breadfruit for the first time
8steps
Start with a young tree or sucker for your first breadfruit planting.
- 1
What you'll need
A young breadfruit tree or sucker, a large pot if container gardening, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 4 and 7. Ensure containers are at least 50 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees or cuttings directly into the ground or large pots, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when it turns yellow or brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, and using the wrong fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:AdhesivetextilesContainersDyeFiberAnimal feedFire starterGumPest controlWind breakerWeaving materialWaterproofingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Laos
Americas7 regions
introduced (7)Costa RicaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorHaitiHondurasJamaicaUnited States
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)CameroonComorosGambia
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Caroline Is., Marianas
introduced:Brazil North, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Central American Pac, Chagos Archipelago, Cook Is., Central African Repu, Gilbert Is., Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Line Is., Malaya, Brazil Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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