African Breadfruit or Breadnut
Treculia africana
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Pl. AA23 — Treculia africana
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IOverview
Overview
African Breadfruit or Breadnut (Treculia africana) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Gabon. Known for its edible seed and milk, this tree can grow up to 30 meters tall in moist, medium to heavy clay soil that prefers full or partial sun. Its light requirements and hardiness range from zones 10-12 make it adaptable to various climates within its native range. The distinctive feature of the African Breadfruit is its large, fleshy seeds that can be consumed after processing, providing a valuable food source in many parts of Africa.
Quick answers
What is African Breadfruit or Breadnut?
African Breadfruit or Breadnut (Treculia africana) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Gabon. Known for its edible seed and milk, this tree can grow up to 30 meters tall in moist, medium to heavy clay soil that prefers full or partial sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Breadfruit or Breadnut thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be medium or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, as it prefers consistently wet conditions. While adaptable to various soils, it performs best in medium to heavy soil types. Given its native range across tropical and subtropical regions, this tree is well-suited for warm climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Breadfruit or Breadnut for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting approach to grow African Breadfruit in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
African Breadfruit seeds or young plants, potting mix, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of medium or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant to larger containers or directly into the garden after germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to avoid direct sunlight. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Provide full sun once established. Fertilize sparingly with organic compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them and remove dead branches. Harvest seeds when ripe for planting next season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, using too much fertilizer, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedMilk
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterFencingLumberMulchoiltextilesSoil conditionerTeeth
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 25 native
Africa20 regions
native (20)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaUgandaZambia
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
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 · aa2350c5-121e-4e20-a039-b1eb7f206a44
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