Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
Artocarpus altilis, or Breadfruit, is a fast-growing tropical evergreen providing significant edible fruit and shade in Zones 10-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Artocarpus altilis, widely known as breadfruit, is a highly valuable tropical and subtropical tree, celebrated both for its large, edible fruit and its impressive stature as a permanent shade provider. This broadleaf evergreen reaches impressive heights, often creating a dense, spreading canopy ideal for large landscapes where consistent warmth is guaranteed. Its significance extends globally, serving as a staple food source in many tropical regions.
The Breadfruit tree is identified by its large crown and distinctive, deeply lobed, leathery dark green leaves, which can measure up to 36 inches long. While it can be grown from seed, the commonly marketed, seedless cultivars are typically propagated vegetatively, ensuring reliable fruit production. Successfully cultivating Artocarpus altilis requires dedication to its warm, humid climatological needs.
Hailing originally from Malaysia, this versatile specimen offers both culinary opportunity and imposing aesthetic appeal. For gardeners operating within its narrow climatic tolerance, the rewards of a mature Artocarpus altilis include a reliable yield of starchy fruit and the majestic presence of a long-lived tropical shade tree.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Moraceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Malaysia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 30-50 ft
- Spread: 30-50 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Greenish
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Artocarpus altilis is best done in consistently warm conditions, as this tropical tree requires temperatures reliably above 60 degrees F. Locate specimens where they have ample room to develop their mature spread of 30 to 50 feet. The soil preference leans toward deep, fertile, and humusy media that remains well-drained, though certain varieties show adaptability to various soil types, including sandy-alkaline profiles. Remember that seedless breadfruit is grown from suckers, while seeded forms originate from seed.
Consistent moisture management is critical for successful cultivation of Artocarpus altilis. As a tree requiring medium water, ensure deep irrigation, especially during dry periods, to meet the needs of this tropical species. High humidity, ideally between 70-80%, is also strongly preferred for optimal growth and fruit development.
Maintenance for established Breadfruit trees is generally moderate. Because the species is winter hardy only to USDA Zones 10-12, protection from frost is nonexistent; these trees must remain in tropical climates year-round. Pruning, if necessary, should focus on removing damaged wood, as the tree naturally develops a wide, spreading crown.
Landscape Uses
In suitable tropical settings, the Breadfruit tree excels as an excellent shade tree due to its dense, broad canopy. Beyond its functional use in providing cool shade, Artocarpus altilis is often grown specifically for its novelty and as a significant food source, especially in island ecosystems throughout the Pacific and Caribbean. The wood of the tree is also prized for various construction purposes.
When designing with mature Artocarpus altilis, allow generous space for its 50-foot height and spread. While direct companion planting information is limited, pairing it with other large tropical ornamentals or fruit trees that share similar needs for humidity and warmth creates a cohesive tropical grove aesthetic. In the U.S., its practical landscape use is largely confined to the extreme south Florida Keys and Hawaii.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Artocarpus altilis, commonly known as breadfruit, is a tropical to sub-tropical evergreen tree of the mulberry family that typically grows with a spreading crown to 30-50’ (less frequently to 80’) tall. Its large, compound fruits mature to 5-12 inches in diameter, featuring pale yellow flesh that develops a potato-like flavor when cooked, hence the common name suggesting fresh baked bread. Historical accounts highlight the significant role this staple food source played in attempts to alleviate famine in the West Indies.
Tolerances
Since no specific tolerance data was provided for external factors like salinity or drought beyond standard needs, this section remains specialized for known environmental factors.
Potential Problems
The cultivation of Artocarpus altilis typically encounters no serious insect or disease problems, making it a relatively robust choice for tropical agriculturalists and gardeners. Given its inherent robustness in its native and adapted ranges, preventative care centers mainly on maintaining proper cultural conditions rather than intensive pest management. Always inspect new plant material, especially suckers used for propagation of seedless forms, to ensure they are clean and healthy before introduction into the garden space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Breadfruit suitable for?
Artocarpus altilis is best suited for gardeners located in the warm USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, requiring consistently tropical conditions.
How large does Breadfruit grow?
This tree typically matures to a height between 30 and 50 feet, developing a matching spread of 30 to 50 feet, resulting in a very broad canopy.
What sun exposure does Artocarpus altilis need?
Breadfruit performs well under conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, providing flexibility in large landscape placements.
When does Breadfruit bloom?
This species is described as a seasonal bloomer, producing greenish flowers within the landscape.
Conclusion
The Breadfruit tree stands out as a magnificent asset in tropical gardening, offering both substantial edible yield and vast, cooling shade. Successful integration of Artocarpus altilis into your environment depends entirely on meeting its fundamental requirements for high heat and consistent moisture. Before planting, ensure your microclimate falls securely within USDA Zones 10-12 to guarantee the long-term health and productivity of this revered tropical staple.
Companion Planting
When selecting plants to accompany Artocarpus altilis, focus on other tropical species that thrive in similar conditions of warmth, humidity, and bright light. Consider smaller understory fruit trees or ornamental shrubs that won’t aggressively compete with the root system of the mature Breadfruit tree. Plants needing intense, dry summer conditions or protection from high humidity will likely struggle alongside this moisture-loving giant.
For effective ground cover or border planting beneath the expansive canopy, look towards shade-tolerant tropical groundcovers or herbaceous perennials that appreciate the filtered light provided by the broad leaves. Keeping the area beneath the tree clear assists in maintaining good air circulation, which is beneficial for the health of the large tree and helps reduce localized humidity pockets that can foster fungal issues on adjacent plantings.
Seasonal Care Calendar
During the peak growing season, which aligns with the sustained warm weather in Zones 10-12, focus intensely on watering the Breadfruit deeply and regularly to maintain that critical medium water need. This is the time reproductive cycles are most active, so ensuring nutrient availability through balanced fertilization will support fruit set.
As the (rare) cooler or drier periods approach, even within the tropical zone, monitor soil moisture closely; although Artocarpus altilis doesn’t face a traditional dormancy, any reduction in available water stress the tree rapidly. For any location marginally in Zones 10 or 11, be prepared to implement temporary protective measures if temperatures dip unexpectedly toward the 60-degree threshold.
