Jackfruit Tree

Jackfruit Tree: 

• Scientific Name- Artocarpus heterophyllus. 

• Family: Moraceae 

• Common Names: Jackfruit, Kathal (in Hindi), Jakfrui 

• Local Uses:  

A. Food Source: 

The ripe fruit is sweet and eaten raw or used in desserts. 

The unripe fruit is used as a vegetable in curries and pickles. 

Seeds can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. 

B. Timber and Wood: 

The wood is strong, termite-resistant, and used for furniture, musical instruments, boats, and construction. 

• Fun facts: 

A. Largest Tree-Borne Fruit: 

Jackfruit is the largest fruit that grows on a tree, sometimes weighing over 30–50 kg 

B. Pollination by Bats and Insects: 

The jackfruit’s flowers emit a strong scent at night, attracting bats and insects for pollination. 

• Ecological Uses: 

A. Soil Conservation: 

Roots help prevent soil erosion, especially in tropical regions with heavy rainfall. 

B. Biodiversity Support: 

Flowers and fruits attract birds, bats, and insects, aiding pollination and seed dispersal. 

C. Carbon Sequestration: 

Being a large tropical tree, it helps absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate regulation.