Artocarpus integer aka Chempedak

Artocarpus integer, known as chempedak, belongs to the mulberry family. Its native range runs from peninsular Thailand through Malesia. This evergreen tree grows in warm, wet tropical forests. It occurs beneath taller trees in both old and regrown forest. In Thailand, it also grows on wet hillsides. People grow it for fruit, forestry, and garden use.

In gardens, allow for about 66 feet [20 metres] in height and spread. Other accounts give heights of 33–79 feet [10–24 metres]. One account reports trees reaching 115 feet [35 metres]. Its crown forms a dense, rounded shape above a short trunk. The trunk can reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. Some trees form small buttresses at the base. The bark is dark grey or reddish brown. Its oval leaves have a tough, leathery feel. Sources differ on growth speed, describing it as fast or slow.

Insects and wind pollinate the flowers. The compound fruit has a spiky, yellow to brown skin. Larger reported fruits reach 8–14 inches [0.20–0.35 metres] long. The ripe flesh is golden yellow, sweet, and strongly scented. Its taste recalls mango and durian, with a somewhat slimy texture. People eat it fresh, fry it in batter, or make puddings. They cook unripe fruit as a vegetable or add it to soup. The starchy seeds have a nutty taste after boiling or roasting. Young leaves also serve as a cooked vegetable.

This tree needs a humid climate without a clear dry season. It grows best where daytime temperatures stay around 22–38°C. Deep, fertile soil with good drainage suits it best. It accepts sand, loam, or clay, and prefers moist ground. Suitable soils range from very acid to neutral. Young plants need some shade, then more light as they grow. Mature trees need sun rather than shade. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 11–12. Fresh seed offers one way to raise new trees. Root cuttings and air layering offer other ways.

The tree suits mixed reforestation plantings and food forests. Its broad crown also gives it value as an ornamental. Bark fibre supplies material for rope, while resin serves in varnish. The bark contains tannin, and heartwood yields a yellow dye. Its strong, durable wood provides another useful crop. The sources report no known hazards, but give no pet-specific safety findings. They name no pests or diseases and report no known medicinal uses.