Bastard Breadnut
Brosimum guianense
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Pl. 204B — Brosimum guianense
Brosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianenseBrosimum guianense
IOverview
Overview
Brosimum guianense, known as Bastard Breadnut, is a large tree native to Central and South America, including countries such as Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela. This tree thrives in a variety of habitats, from dry to moist conditions, and prefers light or partial sun with well-drained soil that can be sandy, medium, or clay-like. It grows up to 25 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit, making it an important food source in some regions.
Quick answers
What is Bastard Breadnut?
Brosimum guianense, known as Bastard Breadnut, is a large tree native to Central and South America, including countries such as Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bastard Breadnut thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This tree grows up to 25 meters tall and produces edible fruit. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds, which should germinate well under these growing conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bastard Breadnut for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Bastard Breadnut.
- 1
What you'll need
A young sapling or seedling, a large pot if container-grown, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 50 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from a nursery pot to your garden or container, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade for a few days to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established. Water when dry, especially during the first year. Fertilize lightly with compost every 6 months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape and remove weak branches. Harvest fruit as needed, but avoid overpruning.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, not providing enough space for growth, and neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The bastard breadnut's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruit is often used in various dishes, providing a starchy texture similar to bread when prepared.
Other uses:Lumbertextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 23 native
Americas13 regions
native (13)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaPeruSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 204b3d72-5d18-4b9e-b045-d909a8044526
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