Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit): Complete Species, Care, and Use Guide

Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit): Complete Species, Care, and Use Guide

Artocarpus altilis, commonly called breadfruit, is a starchy edible tropical tree in the Moraceae family, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is pet-safe, fast-growing, and suited for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 10b–12, or container growing indoors with sufficient light.

Artocarpus altilis: Core Species Overview

Artocarpus altilis is a tropical evergreen tree valued for its edible fruit, dense foliage, and hardy growth habit in warm, humid climates. Mature trees reach 40–80 feet tall in their native habitat, though regular pruning can keep them as small as 10–15 feet for container or small-yard growing. All parts of the tree are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, per ASPCA guidelines.

Key Identifying Traits

• Large, thick, deeply lobed dark green leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long
• Round or oblong green to yellow-green fruit that weighs 1–10 pounds at maturity
• Rough, textured fruit rind with small, raised hexagonal patterns
• Milky, sticky latex present in all parts of the tree

Etymology and Common Names for Artocarpus altilis

The genus name Artocarpus comes from the Greek words “artos” (bread) and “karpos” (fruit), a direct reference to the fruit’s starchy, bread-like texture when cooked. The species epithet “altilis” means “fat” or “nutritious”, referencing the fruit’s high caloric and nutrient density.

Regional Common Names

• Ulu (Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga)
• Kolo (Fiji)
• Sukun (Indonesia, Malaysia)
• Rimas (Philippines)
• Panapen (Caribbean)

Artocarpus altilis Taxonomy and Related Species

Artocarpus altilis is part of the Artocarpus genus, which includes more than 60 tropical tree species native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It is a domesticated descendant of Artocarpus camansi (breadnut), a wild seeded species, and is closely related to several widely cultivated edible trees. If you struggle to distinguish it from lookalike species, use the Sproutly app to scan leaves or fruit for a confirmed identification.

Closely Related Artocarpus Species

• Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit): The world’s largest tree-borne fruit, with a rougher, spikier rind and sweet, fibrous yellow flesh when ripe. For growing guidance for this related species, see the jackfruit tree care guide.
• Artocarpus odoratissimus (marang): A smaller, sweeter fruit with a strong, pleasant aroma
• Artocarpus integer (chempedak): A close jackfruit relative with smaller, more aromatic fruit

Artocarpus altilis Native Distribution and Habitat

Artocarpus altilis is native to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, with archaeological evidence of cultivation dating back 3,000 years in New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. It was spread across the Pacific by Polynesian voyagers, and later introduced to the Caribbean, Central America, and West Africa by European explorers in the 18th century. Preferred wild habitat conditions:

• USDA hardiness zones 10b–12, with minimum temperatures no lower than 40°F (4°C)
• Full sun exposure, with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
• Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5
• Average annual rainfall of 60–160 inches, and humidity levels above 70%

Artocarpus altilis Nutrition Profile

A 1-cup serving of raw Artocarpus altilis fruit contains 167 calories, 37 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of fat. It is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamine, potassium, and antioxidants, with a low glycemic index compared to white rice or potatoes, making it a staple carb source for many tropical communities. Key nutrient highlights per 100g serving:

• 29 mg of vitamin C (32% of the daily recommended value for adults)
• 490 mg of potassium (10% of the daily recommended value)
• 1.5 mg of iron (8% of the daily recommended value)
• 4.9 g of dietary fiber (18% of the daily recommended value)

Artocarpus altilis Propagation Methods

Most cultivated Artocarpus altilis varieties are seedless, so they are almost exclusively propagated vegetatively to preserve consistent fruit quality. Seeded varieties can be grown from seed, but seeds have a very short viability period of just 1–2 weeks after extraction from the fruit, so they must be planted immediately for successful germination.

Common Vegetative Propagation Steps

1. Root cuttings: Collect 1–2 inch thick, 6–12 inch long root sections from a mature, healthy tree during the dormant season
2. Plant cuttings horizontally 2–3 inches deep in a well-draining, sterile potting mix
3. Keep the mix consistently moist and at a temperature of 75–85°F (24–29°C) until shoots emerge, which typically takes 3–6 weeks
4. Transplant rooted cuttings to larger containers or outdoor locations once they reach 1–2 feet tall If you are propagating your tree, use the Sproutly app to set custom reminders for watering and soil moisture checks to reduce transplant shock.

Artocarpus altilis Care Requirements for Home Growers

Artocarpus altilis grows best in warm, humid conditions, but can be grown in containers in cooler climates if overwintered indoors. It is a fast-growing species, putting on 2–3 feet of new growth per year under ideal conditions, and can produce fruit 3–5 years after propagation. For context on how its care compares to a close relative, see the Artocarpus heterophyllus species profile.

Outdoor Care (Zones 10b–12)

• Water deeply once every 7–10 days during dry periods, reducing frequency in the rainy season to avoid root rot
• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer 3 times per year (early spring, mid-summer, early fall) to support fruit production
• Prune annually to maintain a desired height and remove dead or crossing branches, which improves air circulation and reduces pest risk

Indoor/Container Care

• Place in a south-facing window that receives 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, or use a full-spectrum grow light if natural light is insufficient
• Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feels dry, and mist foliage 2–3 times per week to boost humidity levels to the 60% minimum the tree prefers
• Repot every 2–3 years in a container 2 inches larger than the current root ball, using a well-draining tropical potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage

Common Artocarpus altilis Pests and Problems

Artocarpus altilis is relatively pest-resistant, but can be affected by a small number of common tropical plant pests and cultural issues. The most frequent issue for indoor-grown trees is leaf drop caused by low humidity or sudden temperature fluctuations below 40°F (4°C), which the tree cannot tolerate for extended periods. Common pests to monitor for:

• Mealybugs: Small, white, cottony pests that cluster on leaf undersides; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap applied every 7–10 days until the infestation clears
• Fruit flies: Lay eggs in ripening fruit; prevent by wrapping developing fruit in paper bags once they reach 2 inches in diameter
• Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil; avoid by letting the top 2 inches of soil dry out between waterings for container-grown trees

Artocarpus altilis Uses

Artocarpus altilis has been a staple food crop across the Pacific for millennia, and has a wide range of culinary, timber, and traditional uses. All parts of the tree are usable, from the fruit and leaves to the wood and latex, making it a highly versatile crop for small-scale and commercial growers alike. For more details on its culinary applications, see our full breadfruit species profile.

Culinary Uses

• Unripe fruit: Cooked like a potato, roasted, boiled, fried, or ground into flour for breads and baked goods, with a mild, neutral flavor that absorbs spices and seasonings well
• Ripe fruit: Eaten raw, or used in desserts, jams, and smoothies due to its sweet, creamy texture and subtle tropical notes
• Seeds (from seeded varieties): Roasted or boiled and eaten as a nutty snack, with a flavor similar to chestnuts

Non-Culinary Uses

• Timber: Lightweight, termite-resistant wood used for building canoes, furniture, and construction materials, with a pale yellow hue that takes stain well
• Leaves: Used as natural food wrappers for steaming or grilling dishes, or dried and used for nutrient-dense animal feed for livestock
• Latex: Used traditionally as an adhesive, or for waterproofing fabrics and containers, as it dries to a flexible, water-resistant seal

FAQ

Is Artocarpus altilis the same as breadfruit?

Yes, Artocarpus altilis is the scientific binomial name for the tree commonly known as breadfruit. Seeded wild varieties are sometimes classified as Artocarpus camansi, but most cultivated seedless breadfruit fall under the Artocarpus altilis species.

Can I grow Artocarpus altilis indoors?

Yes, Artocarpus altilis can be grown in containers indoors if provided with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, consistent temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C), and humidity levels above 60%. It will need regular pruning to keep it at a manageable indoor size, and will rarely produce fruit indoors without supplemental pollination and extremely high light.

Is Artocarpus altilis safe for pets?

Yes, Artocarpus altilis is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, according to ASPCA guidelines. No parts of the tree (leaves, fruit, bark, latex) contain compounds that are poisonous to common household pets, though large amounts of raw fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten in excess.

How long does it take Artocarpus altilis to produce fruit?

Vegetatively propagated Artocarpus altilis trees typically produce fruit 3–5 years after planting, when grown outdoors in ideal tropical conditions. Trees grown from seed may take 5–10 years to fruit, and will often produce smaller, lower-quality fruit than vegetatively propagated varieties.

What is the difference between Artocarpus altilis and Artocarpus heterophyllus?

Artocarpus altilis is breadfruit, while Artocarpus heterophyllus is jackfruit. Breadfruit is smaller (1–10 pounds) with a textured, patterned rind and starchy, mild flavor, while jackfruit is much larger (up to 80 pounds) with a spiky rind and sweet, fibrous yellow flesh when ripe. The two species have similar large, lobed leaves, but breadfruit leaves are typically more deeply lobed than jackfruit leaves.

Try Sproutly

If you are growing Artocarpus altilis or other tropical plants, the Sproutly app makes care simple. Scan leaves to confirm plant identification, set custom watering and fertilizing reminders, and troubleshoot common pest and disease issues with personalized guidance. Get started today at heysproutly.com.