Description: A large evergreen tree bearing very large fruits directly from branches and trunk. Leaves are thick, glossy and entire.

Identification: Large leathery leaves; milky latex; very large spiny fruits; yellow edible fruit bulbs.

Habitat & distribution: Native to southwestern India and widely cultivated throughout tropical regions.

Uses / importance: Fruit, seeds and young fruit are used as food. Wood is used for furniture and construction. It is an important traditional Kerala tree.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Rosales
Family – Moraceae
Genus – Artocarpus
Species – A. heterophyllus

Sources: Kew POWO; India Biodiversity Portal.