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Four mustard-colored Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits along with smaller green fruit on the tree
artocarpus heterophyllus
Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit)

The Jackfruit, revered for its colossal fruit, is one of the largest edible fruits borne by any tree in the world. The jackfruit tree is indigenous to the Western Ghats of India. This tree can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters and flaunts a dense, irregular, spreading crown​. The jackfruit is a cornucopia of nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Its unique texture has also garnered it recognition as a meat substitute, particularly in vegetarian and vegan diets. The fruit, along with its seeds, is a common ingredient in a variety of food items including sauces, ice creams, jams, jellies, and marmalades​​. The bark, leaves, and roots are also significant for their therapeutic attributes. Some of the pharmacological activities exhibited by jackfruit include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-melanin, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anthelmintic, wound-healing, and antineoplastic activities. Particularly, the leaves have shown antidiabetic actions in both healthy and insulin-independent diabetic individuals​​. On the aesthetic side, the jackfruit tree is monoecious, meaning it houses both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are borne in oblong clusters, while the female flower clusters are rounded​. The invasiveness of this species has been noted in Brazil, particularly in the Atlantic Forest. Despite the plethora of benefits and uses tied to the jackfruit tree, it remains underutilized on a commercial scale in many areas where it's grown. I have rarely seen Jackfruit being sold in Colombia where it is called, Yaca. Photographed in the department of Santander, Colombia.

A yellow with brown Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit against the brown, green and cream colored tree trunk
A yellow with brown Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit on the tree
Two brown with yellow Artocarpus heterophyllus fruitson the tree

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