Seeded breadfruit, Marianas bread

Artocarpus mariannensis

Physical Characteristics

Artocarpus mariannensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Pacific - Palau.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Gum Edible portion: Fruit, Seeds, Sprouts. Fruit - raw or cooked. The deep yellow pulp has a sweet aroma and taste[ 303 ]. The very ripe fruits can be eaten raw, but they, and the immature fruits, are more commonly roasted or baked[ 303 ]. Very nutritious[ 303 ]. The fruit is a small fleshy syncarp, cylindrical, kidney shaped or asymmetrical, about 15cm long and weighing about 500g[ 303 ]. Seed - cooked[ 354 ]. The roasted seed has a flavour much like a chestnut[ 354 ]. Cooked sprouted seeds are a delicacy on some atolls[ 303 ]. The seeds are high in protein, carbohydrates, low in fat, and a good source of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin A[ 303 ]. The large, dark brown, shiny seeds are about 15mm long, with little or no endosperm. There are up to 15 seeds per fruit[ 303 ]. The latex obtained from the shoots and trunk can be used to make a chewing gum[ 303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antifungal Astringent Dysentery Purgative Skin Stomachic All parts of the plant are used medicinally, especially the latex, leaf tips, and inner bark[ 303 ]. The diluted latex is taken internally to treat diarrhoea, stomach-aches, and dysentery[ 303 ]. Applied externally, the latex is commonly used to treat skin ailments and fungus diseases such as thrush[ 303 ]. It is massaged into the skin to treat broken bones and sprains and is plastered on the spine to relieve sciatica[ 303 ]. The crushed leaves are commonly used as a poultice to treat skin ailments and fungus diseases such as thrush[ 303 ]. The sap from the crushed petioles (leaf stalks) is used to treat ear infections or sore eyes[ 303 ]. The root is astringent and used as a purgative[ 303 ]. When macerated, it is used as a poultice for skin ailments[ 303 ]. The bark is used to treat headaches[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

None known