Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
04371487
. . BREADFRUIT OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
Ebechab	MORACEAE
Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg
Palau	Babeldaob Island	Ngetbang (Ngatpang)
Demei Otobed’s land.
Fruits immature. Elongate (-3 kg) with 6 cm stalk inserted into raised neck. Fruits very similar to
Errud and often indistinguishable. Similar to Ragone 288 which has more elongate fruits, and
smaller leaves. Leaves deeply dissected with 4-6, mosdy five pairs of widely separated lobes with
slightly undulate margins. Dull, soft, smooth blade with yellow-green veins. No to few hairs on
upper veins. Underside slightly rough. Tree -7 m.
Ethnobotany - Name means 'sprinkled with ash'; the fruit is best prepared by roasting in the fire.
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.
BOTANICAL
7.29N 134.30E 5m elev.
Cultivated |
NTBG#
Diane Ragone 289 17 June 1987
Joel Miles
Funding provided by IPGRI/USDA-ARS
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN HERBARIUM (PTBG)
04371487