Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg

, BREADFRUIT OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
Midolab	MORACEAE
Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg
Palau	Babeldaob Island	Ngetbang (Ngatpang)
Fruits immature. Rough, very large ("6 kg) and elongate. Male inflorescence long, up to 40x3
cm. Leaves deeply dissected with 3-4 pairs of widely separated pointed lobes and a small lobe at
the tip. Similar to Meriaur but more deeply dissected. Smooth, glossy blade with green veins.
Many short hairs on upper vein. Underside smooth. Large old tree -18 m with buttress roots.
Ethnobotany - Fruits good roasted in the fire. Informant: Naito Soalodaob. Seedless breadfruit
cultivars (Midolab, Meriaur, Ebechab, Errud) are known as meduu. Fruits are prepared by peeling,
slicing and boiling. Can be mixed with coconut milk. Slices can also be fried. Whole fruits are
barbecued (roasted) in a fire. Today, few Palauans, especially children, eat breadfruit or other
traditional staple foods such as taro or tapioca. The preference is for imported starches such as
rice, bread, and cereal. The wood of meduu or Ebiei is used for house construction and
formerly, canoes.
Diane Ragone 290 20 June 1987	7.29N 134.30E 40melev. Cultivated
Joel Miles	NTBG# 890183
Funding provided by IPGRI/USDA-ARS
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN HERBARIUM (PTBG)
04371436