Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.,
Encycl. 3 (1789)
Latin for 'with differing leaves'.
Synonyms
Artocarpus integrifolia var. glabra Stokes, Articarpus
integrifolia var. heterophylla (Lam.) Pers., Artocarpus maxima
Blanco, Artocarpus philippensis Lam., Polyphema jaca Lour.,
Saccus arboreus major Rumph., Sitodium cauliflorum Gaertn.,
Tsjaka-maram Rheede
Description
Understorey tree up to 18 m tall and 50 cm dbh. Stem with white sap.
Stipules ca. 50 mm long, glabrous to hairy. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined,
glabrous. Flowers ca. 0.5 mm diameter, green-yellow, flowers fused into a large
elongate flower body. Fruits ca. 600 mm long, green-yellow, cauliflorous syncarp
with many seeds within yellow flesh.
Ecology
In Borneo generally planted near houses, villages and in forest gardens.
Uses
Wood is locally used. The roots are highly valued for carving and picture
framing. Burned leaf ashes mixed with coconut oil are used to treat scabies. The
fruits and seeds are edible.
Distribution
Pan-tropical, but originally probably from southwestern India. In Borneo
cultivated throughout the island.
Local names in Borneo
Bedug, Nangka, Nangka batu.
