Artocarpus heterophyllus - Yaca

Source
Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Synonyms: Artocarpus heterophylla
Artocarpus integra
Artocarpus integrifolia

English: Jackfruit
Spanish: Árbol de jack,  Yaca, Panapén
French: Jacquier

German: Jackfrucht Jackbaumfrucht Jakobsfrucht Jackfruchtbaum
Italian: Catala

Family: Moraceae
Order: Rosales


Origin: India
Distribution: All tropical areas.

Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
Flowers: Male and female flowers are produced on separate inflorescences. The female inflorescences are usually borne on thick branches or on the trunk of the tree.
Leaves: Glossy, dark green leaves. Elliptical leaves, 5-25 cm long and 3-12 cm broad. On young trees the leaves are often lobed but entire on mature trees.
Fruits: jackfruit is the largest fruit growing on trees in the world. The very big fruits are at least 25 cm in diameter but can be up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. Peeling the skin of the fruit will reveal the succulent, yellow to orange colored pulp. The flavor is sweet, a bit like banana or pineapple, but with a strong, fruity aroma and taste.
Climate and weather: Jackfruit is adapted to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. Sensitive to frost
Pollination: Wind pollination. Hand pollination will produce better fruits.
Height: 10-17 meter
Type of soil: Prefers rich, deep soil of medium or open texture.
Moisture: Prefers flood free, well-drained soils. It cannot tolerate "wet feet". the roots should not touch the water. Cannot tolerate drought. If rainfall is deficient, the tree needs irrigation.
Spacing (close range) 9 meter
Spacing (wide range) 12 meter
Propagation: Propagation is usually by seeds.
Insect pests: Few pest problems.
Diseases: Few disease problems.
Fruit development: Fruits mature 3 to 8 months from flowering.
Harvesting: The peel of the fruit contains sticky latex. Therefore coat your hands with vegetable oil prior to peeling a jackfruit. It will be easier to clean. Fruit are usually eaten fresh, but can also be fried green or pickled.
Uses: Eat as fresh fruit or in fruit salad. Unripe fruits are used as a vegetable.