Treculia africana aka African Breadfruit

Treculia africana is an evergreen tree in the mulberry family, Moraceae. Its common names include African breadfruit and breadnut. It is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. It grows in wet forests, woodlands, and swamp forests. Trees often stand near streams or on swampy ground. People grow them around villages for their edible seeds. Farmers also keep trees when they clear land for crops.

Trees usually reach 49–98 feet [15–30 metres] tall. Some reach 164 feet [50 metres]. In gardens, their spread can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. The crown is dense and broad, above a fluted trunk. Smooth, dark grey bark covers the trunk. Cuts release white latex, which later turns rusty red. The large, dark green leaves are simple and alternate. Sources differ on growth speed, reporting slow to moderate growth.

Yellow-brown flowers form in leaf axils and on older wood. They can also grow straight from the trunk. The round compound fruits have a hard outer surface. Each holds many orange seeds within spongy flesh. Reported fruit weights reach 8.5 kilograms, with another account reaching 14 kilograms. Trees may start bearing fruit at about four years old. In a suitable climate, people can gather fruit throughout the year.

This frost-tender tree suits warm tropical and subtropical sites. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. It grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers deep, rich soil that holds moisture. It also tolerates clay and a wide range of soils. Suitable soil reactions range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Its natural rainfall range is about 1,250–3,000 millimetres a year. Seeds need no treatment before sowing. Growers also use cuttings, budding, and grafting.

People boil or roast the seeds before eating them. They have a peanut-like taste and supply protein and oil. Ground seeds go into soups, bread, pastes, and drinks. The tree provides shade and serves in living fences. Fallen leaves supply mulch, and plantings help conserve soil. Workers use its wood for furniture, carving, paper, and fuel. Traditional remedies use the roots, bark, and sap for several ailments. These include coughs, fever, intestinal worms, and swellings. Such uses do not establish safety or effectiveness. Male trees produce caustic, toxic sap, so edible seeds do not imply safe sap.