Breadnut Maya nut
Brosimum alicastrum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 0DB7 — Brosimum alicastrum
Brosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrum
IOverview
Overview
Breadnut Maya nut (Brosimum alicastrum) is a large, fast-growing tree native to Central and South America, including countries like Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in zones 10-12, it can grow up to 30 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, seed, and milk, the Breadnut Maya nut is valued not only as a source of nutrition but also for its ornamental qualities. Its distinctive feature includes the large size and abundance of its fruit, which are often compared to bread in texture and flavor, hence the common name "Breadnut."
Quick answers
What is Breadnut Maya nut?
Breadnut Maya nut (Brosimum alicastrum) is a large, fast-growing tree native to Central and South America, including countries like Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Breadnut Maya nut thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are commonly used. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining to slightly clayey soils for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Breadnut Maya nut for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving Breadnut Maya nut tree for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Breadnut Maya nut seed or young sapling, potting soil, and a container if planting in a pot.
- 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 mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 1 meter wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when large enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, ensuring it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with compost every few months and prune lightly to shape the tree.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to encourage a strong structure. Harvest fruits when they turn yellow or orange.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, not providing enough support for tall trees, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeedMilk
Edible uses: Coffee, Drink, Gum
Other uses:Animal feedLumberGumtextilesWind breakerCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native· 3 introduced
Americas14 regions
native (14)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá
introduced:Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is., Florida
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0db7b669-7882-4f6a-b490-c2e73713729a
Decision aid
Choosing between Breadnut Maya nut and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.