Artocarpus odoratissimus aka Marang

Artocarpus odoratissimus is challenging to grow and best suited for experienced gardeners in tropical climates. It requires USDA zones 10-12 with consistent warmth, as it cannot tolerate temperatures below 7°C (45°F). The tree needs full sun, abundant and evenly distributed rainfall, and protection from wind. Young plants require partial shade initially before transitioning to full sun. While seeds germinate readily (nearly 100% germination within 4 weeks), maintaining proper growing conditions year-round requires careful attention.

Artocarpus odoratissimus requires consistently moist soil and thrives in regions with abundant, evenly distributed rainfall. In cultivation, water regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially during establishment and dry seasons. The species is native to humid tropical rainforests and does not tolerate drought well. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging while keeping the root zone consistently moist.

Artocarpus odoratissimus adapts to various soil types including light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils, as long as they are well-drained. It naturally grows on sandy clay soils in secondary forests. The tree tolerates mildly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0) and performs best in deep, rich, loamy soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root problems.

Artocarpus odoratissimus thrives in high humidity typical of lowland humid tropical regions. Native to the rainforests of Borneo and surrounding areas, it requires humid conditions with abundant rainfall year-round. The species does not tolerate dry climates well and benefits from consistent atmospheric moisture in addition to soil moisture.

Once trees begin bearing fruit (typically at 4-6 years), fertilize twice annually with 0.5-1 kg of complete fertilizer per tree. Some growers recommend 200-900 grams of ammonium sulfate per application. Regular fertilization supports the heavy fruit production this species is known for.

Artocarpus odoratissimus is strictly tropical and requires warm temperatures year-round. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 7°C (45°F) and grows best between latitudes 15° north and south. The minimum temperature for the warmest months should not fall below 16°C (61°F). In USDA zones 9-12, frost protection is essential in zone 9, while zones 10-12 provide ideal conditions.

Artocarpus odoratissimus is primarily propagated from seed. Seeds have short viability and should be sown immediately after extraction from ripe fruit, as they lose viability quickly. Clean seeds thoroughly with water and sow in well-draining mix at 24-27°C, achieving nearly 100% germination within 4 weeks. Alternative methods include root cuttings, air layering, and grafting onto Artocarpus elasticus rootstock, though these are less common. Trees reach reproductive maturity at 4-6 years.

Artocarpus odoratissimus is a large evergreen tree reaching 25-35 meters (82-115 ft) tall with a spreading canopy up to 20 meters (65 ft) wide. The trunk grows up to 50 cm in diameter, sometimes with low buttresses. Growth rate is moderate, with trees beginning to fruit at 4-6 years of age. In cultivation, trees are typically spaced 12-14 meters apart to accommodate their mature size. The large leaves measure 16-50 cm long and 11-28 cm wide.

Artocarpus odoratissimus can only be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA zones 10-12). In zone 9, the tree requires frost protection. It needs full sun, abundant rainfall, and temperatures consistently above 7°C (45°F). The tree has poor wind tolerance and should be planted in a sheltered location. Outside suitable zones, greenhouse cultivation is the only viable option due to the strict tropical requirements.

Artocarpus odoratissimus is monoecious, producing both male and female flower heads on the same tree. The small, greenish flowers grow on short, fleshy spikes. After pollination, female flowers develop into the distinctive syncarpous fruit. Trees typically begin flowering and fruiting at 4-6 years of age. In some wild populations, flowering can be irregular, with trees failing to flower in some years.

As its scientific name suggests ('odoratissimus' means 'most fragrant'), Artocarpus odoratissimus produces strongly aromatic fruit. The scent is often compared to durian but is less intense and more pleasant to most people. Importantly, the fragrance is concentrated in the thick fruit rind rather than the edible pulp, so the flesh itself has a milder aroma while still being sweet and pleasant.

Artocarpus odoratissimus requires minimal pruning. The tree naturally develops a good form with a straight trunk and spreading canopy. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed to maintain tree health and structure. In commercial orchards, some growers prune to manage tree size and improve light penetration for fruit production, but extensive pruning is not typically necessary.

Artocarpus odoratissimus is highly edible with an edibility rating of 4 out of 5. The ripe fruit flesh is sweet, juicy, and aromatic—widely considered superior to jackfruit and is regarded as the finest fruit in Brunei. The creamy-white segments can be eaten fresh or used in cakes and fritters. Seeds are edible when roasted or boiled, tasting similar to sweet chestnuts. Young unripe fruits can be cooked in coconut milk as curried vegetables.

Artocarpus odoratissimus has traditional medicinal uses, particularly in Southeast Asian folk medicine. The latex is applied topically to treat wound inflammation. In Sarawak, a root decoction is used to treat diarrhea. Leaf ash is traditionally applied to scorpion and centipede bites as well as scabies. Modern research indicates the fruit peels contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant properties, and studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities.

Beyond its edible fruit, Artocarpus odoratissimus has several practical uses. The timber, traded as 'terap,' is suitable for light construction, boxes, furniture, and decorative purposes. The large leaves are traditionally used for thatching roofs and making partitions in rural structures. Recent research has also explored using fruit waste components as biosorbents for removing toxic dyes from wastewater, and the seeds show potential as an alternative flour source.