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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Science & Nature • Plants

Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a tropical tree species, *Artocarpus altilis*, in the mulberry family (Moraceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Breadfruit is a tropical tree species, *Artocarpus altilis*, in the mulberry family (Moraceae). It produces large starchy fruits that are a staple food in many tropical regions, especially the Pacific. The species is widely cultivated across the humid tropics for food, shade, and agroforestry uses.

Description

Breadfruit is a large tropical tree with broad leaves and round to oval green fruits. The fruit is known for its starchy flesh and bread-like flavour when cooked.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to the Pacific and tropical Asia and is now grown widely in tropical regions worldwide. It is especially important in island agriculture and traditional food systems.

Uses

Breadfruit is mainly grown as a food crop, but the tree also has value in shade production and agroforestry. The fruit is cooked in a variety of ways and is a staple in several cuisines.

Botanical classification

Breadfruit belongs to the genus *Artocarpus* within the family Moraceae, which also includes jackfruit and other related trees. It is a flowering plant with economically important edible fruit.

Key facts

  • Breadfruit is a species of flowering tree in the mulberry family, Moraceae.
  • Its fruits are large, starchy, and commonly eaten cooked.
  • It is an important staple crop in the South Pacific and other tropical areas.
  • Breadfruit is cultivated widely throughout the humid tropics.
  • The tree is also used in agroforestry systems for shade and environmental benefits.
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Canadian context

Breadfruit is not native to Canada, but it is of interest to Canadian readers through tropical horticulture, food culture, and agricultural research on resilient staple crops.

Frequently asked questions

What is breadfruit?
Breadfruit is a tropical tree species, *Artocarpus altilis*, grown for its large edible fruits.
What family does breadfruit belong to?
Breadfruit belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae.
Where is breadfruit native to?
It is native to the Pacific and tropical Asia.
What does breadfruit taste like?
When cooked, its flesh is often described as starchy with a bread-like or potato-like flavour.
Why is breadfruit important?
It is an important staple food crop in many tropical regions, especially in Pacific island communities.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadfruit
    Supports: Scientific name, family, and general description.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/breadfruit
    Supports: Breadfruit as a tree and staple food in tropical regions.
  3. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point — https://www.uwsp.edu/sbcb/tropical-conservatory/breadfruit-2/
    Supports: Origin in Malaya and widespread tropical cultivation.
  4. New York Botanical Garden — https://www.nybg.org/around-the-table/breadfruit/
    Supports: Native range, nutritional and food-security importance, and broad tropical cultivation.
  5. Oregon State University — https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/artocarpus-altilis
    Supports: Cultivation spread, tropical growth habit, and family placement.
  6. University of Hawaiʻi CTAHR — https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/breadfruit.pdf
    Supports: Tree description and botanical characteristics.
  7. National Tropical Botanical Garden — https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/about-breadfruit/species/
    Supports: Breadfruit as a staple crop and traditional agroforestry plant.