Difference between revisions of "Jackfruit"

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{{Taxobox
+
__NOTOC__{{Plantbox
| color = lightgreen
+
| name = ''Artocarpus heterophyllus''
| name = Jackfruit
+
| common_names = Jackfruit
 +
| growth_habit = tree
 +
| high =    <!--- 1m (3 ft) -->
 +
| wide =    <!--- 65cm (25 inches) -->
 +
| origin = India
 +
| poisonous =    <!--- indicate parts of plants which are known/thought to be poisonous -->
 +
| lifespan = perennial
 +
| exposure =    <!--- full sun, part-sun, semi-shade, shade, indoors, bright filtered (you may list more than 1) -->
 +
| water = frequent when warm, regular when cool
 +
| features =    <!--- flowers, fragrance, fruit, naturalizes, invasive -->
 +
| hardiness = ?°C (27-32°F) older trees more hardy
 +
| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->
 +
| usda_zones =    <!--- eg. 8-11 -->
 +
| sunset_zones =    <!--- eg. 8, 9, 12-24, not available -->
 +
| color = IndianRed
 
| image = Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits at tree.jpg
 
| image = Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits at tree.jpg
| image_width = 225px
+
| image_width = 180px    <!--- leave as 240px if horizontal orientation photo, or change to 180px if vertical -->
 
| image_caption = Jackfruit tree with fruit
 
| image_caption = Jackfruit tree with fruit
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
+
| regnum = Plantae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
+
| divisio = Magnoliophyta
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
+
| classis = Magnoliopsida
| ordo = [[Rosales]]
+
| ordo = Rosales
| familia = [[Moraceae]]
+
| familia = Moraceae
| genus = ''[[Artocarpus]]''
+
| genus = Artocarpus
| species = '''''A. heterophyllus'''''
+
| species = heterophyllus
| binomial = ''Artocarpus heterophyllus''
+
| subspecies =  
| binomial_authority = [[Jean-Baptiste Lamarck|Lam.]]
+
| cultivar =  
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Jackfruit''' ('''''Artocarpus heterophyllus''''') is a species of [[tree]] of the mulberry family ([[Moraceae]]) and its [[fruit]], native to southwestern [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Philippines]]  and [[Sri Lanka]], and possibly also east to the [[Malay Peninsula]], though more likely an early human introduction there. It is well suited to tropical lowlands.
+
'''Adaptation''': Jackfruit is adapted to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. Mature trees have survived temperatures of about 27° F in southern Florida, but these were frozen to large limbs. Young trees are likely to be killed at temperatures below 32° F. Unlike its relative, the breadfruit, the jackfruit is not injured by cool weather several degrees above freezing. There are only a dozen or so bearing jackfruit trees today in southern Florida, and these are valued mainly as curiosities. There are also several trees planted in the Asian exhibit at the San Diego Zoo. What they will do or how high they will grow remains a question. The tree is too large to make a suitable container-grown plant.  
==Description==
 
  
[[Image:Jackfruit1.JPG|left|thumb|Young jackfruit]]
+
'''Growth Habit''': The jackfruit tree is handsome and stately. In the tropics it grows to an enormous size, like a large eastern oak. In California it is very doubtful that it would ever approach this size. All parts contain a sticky, white latex.
[[Image:JackfruitLift.JPG|left|thumb|Illustration of the size of jackfruit.]]
 
The [[fruit]] is huge, seldom less than about 25 cm in diameter. Even a relatively  thin tree (circa 10 cm) can have huge fruits hanging on it. The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. The jackfruit is the largest tree borne fruit in the world.
 
  
The sweet yellow sheaths around the seeds are about 3-5 mm thick and have a taste similar to [[pineapple]] but milder and less juicy.
+
'''Foliage''': The leaves are oblong, oval, or elliptic in form, 4 to 6 inches in length, leathery, glossy, and deep green in color. Juvenile leaves are lobed.
  
The English name ''jackfruit'' derives from Portuguese ''jaca'', which is derived from [[Malayalam]] ''chakka''. See below for other names of the fruit worldwide.
+
'''Flowers''': Male and female flowers are borne in separate flower-heads. Male flower-heads are on new wood among the leaves or above the female. They are swollen, oblong, from an inch to four inches long and up to an inch wide at the widest part. They are pale green at first, then darken. When mature the head is covered with yellow pollen that falls rapidly after flowering. The female heads appear on short, stout twigs that emerge from the trunk and large branches, or even from the soil-covered base of very old trees. They look like the male heads but without pollen, and soon begins to swell. The stalks of both male and female flower-heads are encircled by a small green ring.
  
==Cultivation and uses==
+
'''Fruit''': Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds in weight and up to 36 inches long and 20 inches in diameter. The exterior of the compound fruit is green or yellow when ripe. The interior consists of large edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh that encloses a smooth, oval, light-brown seed. The seed is 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick and is white and crisp within. There may be 100 or up to 500 seeds in a single fruit, which are viable for no more than three or four days. When fully ripe, the unopened jackfruit emits a strong disagreeable odor, resembling that of decayed onions, while the pulp of the opened fruit smells of pineapple and banana.
Jackfruit is widely grown in [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. It is also grown in parts of central and eastern [[Africa]], [[Brazil]], [[Suriname]], and in islands of the West Indies such as [[Jamaica]]. It is the national fruit of [[Bangladesh]] and [[Indonesia]].
 
  
The jackfruit has played a significant role in the Indian agriculture (and culture) from time immemorial. Archeological findings in India have revealed that jackfruit was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. Findings also indicate that Indian Emperor [[Ashoka the Great]] (274 - 237 BC) encouraged arbori-horticulture of various fruits including jackfruit. [[Varahamihira]], the famous Indian astronomer, mathemetician, and astrologer wrote a chapter on the treatment of trees in his Brhat Samhita. One of the highlights of his treatise is a specific reference on grafting to be done on trees such as jackfruit. A method of grafting described was what is known today as 'wedge grafting'. <ref> ''Science in India with Special Reference to Agriculture'' P.M. Tamboli and Y.L. Nene </ref>
+
There are two main varieties. In one, the fruits have small, fibrous, soft, mushy, but very sweet carpels with a texture somewhat akin to a raw oysters. The other variety is crisp and almost crunchy though not quite as sweet. This form is the more important commercially and is more palatable to western tastes.  
  
One of the earliest descriptions of the jackfruit is to be found in the 16th century memoirs of the [[Mughal]] Emperor [[Babur|Babar]], who was not much enamored of it:
+
:''More information about this species can be found on the [[Artocarpus|genus page]].''
  
:"The jackfruit is unbelievably ugly and bad tasting. It looks exactly like [[sheep]] [[intestines]] turned inside out like stuffed [[tripe]]. It has a cloyingly sweet taste. Inside it has seeds like [[hazelnut]]s that mostly resemble [[date (fruit)|date]]s, but these seeds are round, not long. The flesh of these [[seed]]s, which is what is eaten, is softer than dates. It is sticky, and for that reason some people grease their hands and mouths before eating it. The fruit is said to grow on the branches, the trunk, and the roots of the tree and looks like stuffed tripe hung all over the tree". <ref> ''The Baburnama'' Trans. & Ed. Wheeler M. Thackston (New York) 2002 p345 </ref>
+
==Cultivation==
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'''Location''': The jackfruit tree should have a well-drained, frost-free location that is sunny and warm.
  
The jackfruit is something of an acquired taste, but it is very popular in many parts of the world. An unopened ripe fruit can have a unpleasant smell, like rotting [[onion]]s. The light brown to black seeds with white innards are indeed about the size of dates. People often oil their hands with coconut oil, [[kerosene]], or paraffin before preparing jackfruit, as the rest of the fruit is a loose white mass that bleeds a milky, sticky sap often used as glue.
+
'''Soil''': The jackfruit flourishes in rich, deep soil of medium or open texture. Planting on top of an old compost heap would be ideal. The faster one can force a tropical plant to grow, the better the chance of keeping it alive. The tree needs the best drainage and cannot tolerate "wet feet".
  
===Commercial availability===
+
'''Irrigation''': The tree will not tolerate drought. Water frequently during warm months and warm periods in cooler months. Less water is necessary during colder weather.
[[Image:Kutiyapi.jpg|thumb|right|A [[kutiyapi]], made of jackfruit wood]]
 
The jackfruit bears fruit three years after planting.
 
  
In the [[United States]] and [[Europe]], the fruit is available in shops that sell exotic products, usually sold canned with a sugar syrup or frozen. It is also obtained fresh from Asian food markets. Sweet jackfruit chips are also often available.
+
'''Fertilization''': The jackfruit's requirements are not known, but frequent, weak solutions of all-purpose fertilizer will speed the plant's growth without causing burn. In the regions where it is commonly grown, it succeeds without much care from man, the sole necessity being abundant moisture.
  
The [[wood]] is used for the production of musical instruments in [[Indonesia]] as part of the [[gamelan]] and in the [[Philippines]], where its soft wood can be made into the hull of a [[kutiyapi]], a type of [[Philippine]] boat [[lute]]. It is also used to make the body of the Indian drums ''[[mridangam]]'' and ''[[kanjira]]''. It is also widely used for manufacture of [[furniture]].
+
'''Frost protection''': Although mature jackfruit trees will take several degrees of frost, it is prudent to provide young plants with overhead protection if possible and plant them on the south side of a wall or building. Small plants should be given complete protection with a covering on cold nights and even a light bulb if possible.  
  
===Dishes and preparations===
+
'''Pruning''': Little or no pruning is required other than to remove any dead branches from the interior of the tree, so that sufficient light is obtained for the developing fruit.  
Jackfruit is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines. It can be eaten unripe (young) or ripe, and cooked or uncooked. The seeds can also be used in certain recipes.
 
  
Unripe (young) jackfruit can also eaten whole. Young jackfruit has a mild flavour and distinctive texture. The cuisines of [[cuisine of India|India]], [[cuisine of Bangladesh|Bangladesh]], [[cuisine of Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka]], [[cuisine of Indonesia|Indonesia]], and [[cuisine of Vietnam|Vietnam]] use cooked young jackfruit. In many cultures, jackfruit is boiled and used in curries as a food staple.
+
'''Harvest''': Jackfruits mature 3 to 8 months from flowering. When mature, there is usually a change of fruit color from light green to yellow-brown. Spines, closely spaced, yield to moderate pressure, and there is a dull, hollow sound when the fruit is tapped. After ripening, they turn brown and deteriorate rather quickly.
  
[[Image:Jackfruit chips.jpg|thumb|Jackfruit chips]]
+
===Propagation===
* ''[[Kathal Subzee]]'': Spicy vegetable with raw jackfruit from [[Uttar Pradesh]] or [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[India]].
+
Propagation is usually by seeds, which can be kept no longer than a month before planting. Germination requires 3 to 8 weeks. The seedlings should be moved when no more than 4 leaves have appeared. A more advanced seedling, with its long and delicate tap root is very difficult to transplant successfully. Cutting-grown plants and grafted seedlings are possible. Air-layering is common in India.  
* ''[[Chakka Pradaman]]'': Jackfruit pudding from [[Kerala]], [[India]].
 
* ''Enchorer Torkari'': Curry made from unripe jackfruit from [[West Bengal]], [[India]].
 
* ''Guzo Suke'': Dry spicy dish of raw jackfruit from [[Mangalore]], [[India]].
 
* ''Ghariyo'': Jackfruit sweet dish from [[Mangalore]], [[India]].
 
* ''Jackfuit Pappad'': Jackfruit Pappad as a snack from [[Mangalore]], [[India]].
 
* ''Chakka Varatti'': Jackfruit Jam from [[Kerala]], [[India]].
 
* ''Chakka Vattal'': [[Jackfruit Chips]] from [[Kerala]], [[India]].
 
* ''[[Panasa Koora/Panasa Pottu Koora]]'': Traditional Jackfruit Curry from coastal [[Andhra]], [[India]].[http://sjrecipes.angelcities.com/foods_from_india_2.htm#PANASA%20POTTU%20PLAIN%20KOORA]
 
* ''[[Gudeg]]'': traditional dish from [[Yogyakarta]], [[Central Java]], [[Indonesia]].
 
* ''Lodeh'': traditional Indonesian vegetable dish with [[coconut milk]].
 
* ''Gule Nangka'': traditional Indonesia spicy curry [[Indonesia]].
 
* ''Humba Nangka'':curry made from unripe jackfruit and coconut milk [[Bohol]], [[Philippines]].
 
*Gatti or Gidde in [[Tulu]] where ripe jackfruit is ground with [[rava]] to form thick paste which is put on a teak wood leaf and then cooked in steam.The gidde is ready.
 
* An optional ingredient in ''Sayur asam'' (Indonesian clear soup; the name means ''tamarind vegetables'')
 
* Also ingredient in Indonesian traditional [[Minangkabau]] cuisine.
 
* Jackfruit salad: [[Vietnamese cuisine|Vietnamese dish]] with boiled young jackfruit.
 
* [[Rice and curry]] in Sri Lanka
 
* ''Fanas Poli'': Sun dried Jackfruit pulp with sugar from [[Konkan]].
 
The [[seed]]s can also be eaten cooked or baked like beans. They taste similar to [[chestnut]]s.
 
  
===Other preparations:===
+
===Pests and diseases===
* Jackfruit chips
+
A variety of pests and diseases afflict the jackfruit tree and fruit regions where it is commonly grown. In California the white fly is a minor pest.  
* Asian ice desserts (including Indonesian & Filipino)
 
* ''[[Turon]]'', a Filipino dessert made of banana and jackfruit wrapped in an [[eggroll]] wrapper
 
* Sometimes an added ingredient for [[cassava cake]]
 
* An optional ingredient in [[kolak]] (an Indonesian mung bean and coconut based dessert).
 
* It is thought that jackfruit is the basis for the flavour of [[Juicy Fruit]] [[chewing gum]].
 
* Jackfruit candy
 
* [[Vitamin Water]] sells a jackfruit - guava (b+ [[theanine]]) beverage
 
* Jackfruit smoothies or milkshakes
 
  
==Names==
+
==Cultivars==
The fruit is called a variety of names around the world:
+
In Malaysia and India there are named types of fruit. One that has caused a lot of interest is Singapore, or Ceylon, a remarkable yearly bearer producing fruit in 18 months to 2-1/2 years from transplanting. The fruit is of medium size with small, fibrous carpels which are very sweet. It was introduced into India from Ceylon and planted extensively in 1949. Other excellent varieties are Safeda, Khaja, Bhusila, Bhadaiyan and Handia. In Australia, some of the varieties are: Galaxy, Fitzroy, Nahen, Cheenax, Kapa, Mutton, and Varikkha. None of these appear to be available in the US at this time.
  
;[[South Asia]]n names
+
==Gallery==
*[[Bengali language|Bengali]]: কাঁঠাল ''Cãţtal'' (National fruit of [[Bangladesh]]), ''Enchor'' (the unripe fruit, used in curries)
 
*[[Bhojpuri]]: ''Katahar''
 
*[[Kannada language|Kannada]]: ''Halasina hannu''
 
*[[Konkani]]:"Ponos"
 
*[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]: ''Phannasa''
 
*[[Hindi language|Hindi]]: ''Katahal''
 
*[[Nepali language|Nepali]]: ''Rukh kut-a-herr''
 
*[[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: ''Chakka''
 
*[[Marathi language|Marathi]]: फणस ''Phanas''
 
*[[Oriya language|Oriya]]: ''Panasa''
 
*[[Maldivian]], ''sakkeyo'' (only the ripe fruitpulp is used)
 
*[[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]]: ''Kos.'' ''Varaka / Vela'' (in its ripe state)
 
*[[Tamil language|Tamil]]: ''Palaa'' / ''Varukkai (old Tamil)''
 
*[[Telugu language|Telugu]]: ''Panasa''
 
*[[Sanskrit]]: ''Panasam''
 
*[[Tulu]]: ''Gujje'' or ''Kujje''. Also called ''Palaakay''
 
  
;[[Southeast Asia]]n names
+
<gallery>
*[[Cebuano language|Cebuano]]: ''Nangka''
+
Image:Jackfruit1.JPG|Young jackfruit
*[[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]: ''Nangka''
+
Image:JackfruitLift.JPG|Illustration of the size of jackfruit
*[[Lao language|Lao]]: ''Mak mii''
+
</gallery>
*[[Malay language|Malay]]: ''Nangka''
 
*[[Kapampangan language|Kapampangan]]: ''Yangka''
 
*[[Tagalog language|Tagalog]]: ''Langka''
 
*[[Thai language|Thai]]: ขนุน ''Kanoon''
 
*[[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]]: ''Mít''
 
  
;[[East Asia]]n names
+
==References==
*[[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 波羅蜜 ''Bōluómì''
+
*[http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/jackfruit.html CRFG Jackfruit Fruit Facts]
*[[Korean language|Korean]]: 바라밀 ''Baramil''
+
<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
  
;[[West Asia]]n name
+
==External links==
*[[Persian language|Persian]]: ''Derakhte Nan''
+
*{{wplink}}
  
;[[Africa]]n names
+
[[Category:Categorize]]
*[[Malagasy language|Malagasy]]: ''Finésy''
 
*[[Swahili language|Swahili]]: ''Fenesi''
 
*[[Luganda language|Luganda]]: ''Fene''
 
  
;[[Europe]]an (and Latin American) names
+
<!-- in order to add all the proper categories, go to http://www.plants.am/wiki/Plant_Categories and copy/paste the contents of the page here, and then follow the easy instructions!    -->
*[[Icelandic language|Icelandic]]: ''Saðningaraldin''
 
*[[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]: ''Jaca''
 
*[[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Jaka''; ''Fruta de Jack''
 
 
 
==See also==
 
{{Commons|Jackfruit}}
 
* [[Breadfruit]] (''Artocarpus altilis'')
 
* [[Marang]] (''Artocarpus odoratissimus'')
 
* [[Fig]] (''[[Ficus]] carica'')
 
* [[List of fruits]]
 
 
 
==References and external links==
 
<references/>
 
* [http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?70095 Germplasm Resources Information Network: ''Artocarpus heterophyllus'']
 
* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/jackfruit_ars.html Fruits of Warm Climates: Jackfruit and Related Species]
 
* [http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/jackfruit.html California Rare Fruit Growers: Jackfruit Fruit Facts]
 
* [http://www.proscitech.com.au/trop/j.htm Know and Enjoy Tropical Fruit: Jackfruit, Breadfruit & Relatives]
 
* [http://waynesword.palomar.edu/jackfr1.htm#jackfruit Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)] on Wayne's Word
 
* [http://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAILEXENG/lexicon/kanoen%20(vruchtvlees).htm Jackfruit, flesh of  fruit]
 
*[http://www.agri-history.org/Science%20in%20India%20with%20Special%20Reference%20to%20Agriculture.pdf Science in India with Special Reference to Agriculture]
 
 
 
[[Category:Artocarpus]]
 
[[Category:Fruit]]
 
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
 
[[Category:National symbols of Bangladesh]]
 
[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
 
[[Category:Southeast Asian cuisine]]
 
[[Category:Vietnamese cuisine]]
 
[[Category:Flora of the Maldives]]
 

Latest revision as of 21:47, 22 April 2009


Jackfruit tree with fruit


Plant Characteristics
Lifespan: perennial
Origin: India
Cultivation
Water: frequent when warm"frequent when warm" is not in the list (wet, moist, moderate, dry, less when dormant) of allowed values for the "Water" property., regular when cool"regular when cool" is not in the list (wet, moist, moderate, dry, less when dormant) of allowed values for the "Water" property.
Scientific Names

Moraceae >

Artocarpus >

heterophyllus >


Adaptation: Jackfruit is adapted to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. Mature trees have survived temperatures of about 27° F in southern Florida, but these were frozen to large limbs. Young trees are likely to be killed at temperatures below 32° F. Unlike its relative, the breadfruit, the jackfruit is not injured by cool weather several degrees above freezing. There are only a dozen or so bearing jackfruit trees today in southern Florida, and these are valued mainly as curiosities. There are also several trees planted in the Asian exhibit at the San Diego Zoo. What they will do or how high they will grow remains a question. The tree is too large to make a suitable container-grown plant.

Growth Habit: The jackfruit tree is handsome and stately. In the tropics it grows to an enormous size, like a large eastern oak. In California it is very doubtful that it would ever approach this size. All parts contain a sticky, white latex.

Foliage: The leaves are oblong, oval, or elliptic in form, 4 to 6 inches in length, leathery, glossy, and deep green in color. Juvenile leaves are lobed.

Flowers: Male and female flowers are borne in separate flower-heads. Male flower-heads are on new wood among the leaves or above the female. They are swollen, oblong, from an inch to four inches long and up to an inch wide at the widest part. They are pale green at first, then darken. When mature the head is covered with yellow pollen that falls rapidly after flowering. The female heads appear on short, stout twigs that emerge from the trunk and large branches, or even from the soil-covered base of very old trees. They look like the male heads but without pollen, and soon begins to swell. The stalks of both male and female flower-heads are encircled by a small green ring.

Fruit: Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds in weight and up to 36 inches long and 20 inches in diameter. The exterior of the compound fruit is green or yellow when ripe. The interior consists of large edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh that encloses a smooth, oval, light-brown seed. The seed is 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick and is white and crisp within. There may be 100 or up to 500 seeds in a single fruit, which are viable for no more than three or four days. When fully ripe, the unopened jackfruit emits a strong disagreeable odor, resembling that of decayed onions, while the pulp of the opened fruit smells of pineapple and banana.

There are two main varieties. In one, the fruits have small, fibrous, soft, mushy, but very sweet carpels with a texture somewhat akin to a raw oysters. The other variety is crisp and almost crunchy though not quite as sweet. This form is the more important commercially and is more palatable to western tastes.

More information about this species can be found on the genus page.

Cultivation

calendar?
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
Notes:

Location: The jackfruit tree should have a well-drained, frost-free location that is sunny and warm.

Soil: The jackfruit flourishes in rich, deep soil of medium or open texture. Planting on top of an old compost heap would be ideal. The faster one can force a tropical plant to grow, the better the chance of keeping it alive. The tree needs the best drainage and cannot tolerate "wet feet".

Irrigation: The tree will not tolerate drought. Water frequently during warm months and warm periods in cooler months. Less water is necessary during colder weather.

Fertilization: The jackfruit's requirements are not known, but frequent, weak solutions of all-purpose fertilizer will speed the plant's growth without causing burn. In the regions where it is commonly grown, it succeeds without much care from man, the sole necessity being abundant moisture.

Frost protection: Although mature jackfruit trees will take several degrees of frost, it is prudent to provide young plants with overhead protection if possible and plant them on the south side of a wall or building. Small plants should be given complete protection with a covering on cold nights and even a light bulb if possible.

Pruning: Little or no pruning is required other than to remove any dead branches from the interior of the tree, so that sufficient light is obtained for the developing fruit.

Harvest: Jackfruits mature 3 to 8 months from flowering. When mature, there is usually a change of fruit color from light green to yellow-brown. Spines, closely spaced, yield to moderate pressure, and there is a dull, hollow sound when the fruit is tapped. After ripening, they turn brown and deteriorate rather quickly.

Propagation

Propagation is usually by seeds, which can be kept no longer than a month before planting. Germination requires 3 to 8 weeks. The seedlings should be moved when no more than 4 leaves have appeared. A more advanced seedling, with its long and delicate tap root is very difficult to transplant successfully. Cutting-grown plants and grafted seedlings are possible. Air-layering is common in India.

Pests and diseases

A variety of pests and diseases afflict the jackfruit tree and fruit regions where it is commonly grown. In California the white fly is a minor pest.

Cultivars

In Malaysia and India there are named types of fruit. One that has caused a lot of interest is Singapore, or Ceylon, a remarkable yearly bearer producing fruit in 18 months to 2-1/2 years from transplanting. The fruit is of medium size with small, fibrous carpels which are very sweet. It was introduced into India from Ceylon and planted extensively in 1949. Other excellent varieties are Safeda, Khaja, Bhusila, Bhadaiyan and Handia. In Australia, some of the varieties are: Galaxy, Fitzroy, Nahen, Cheenax, Kapa, Mutton, and Varikkha. None of these appear to be available in the US at this time.

Gallery

References

External links