PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Artocarpus altilis
Breadfruit
(Parkinson) Fosberg
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A beautiful, fast-growing tropical evergreen tree reaching up to 26 meters high, famous for producing massive, round or oval starchy green fruits. It features large, thick, glossy leathery leaves with striking deeply pinnate lobes. All parts of the tree contain a thick, milky white sticky latex used traditionally as caulking material.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rosales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Moraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Artocarpus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Parkinson) Fosberg
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Originally native to the western Pacific islands of Oceania and New Guinea. It is widely cultivated throughout the humid tropical lowlands of the world, thriving in deep, fertile, well-drained soils under hot, wet equatorial climates, particularly in coastal zones and alluvial river valleys.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A dominant, long-lived canopy component of traditional agroforestry home gardens. Its extensive foliar umbrella intercepts intense tropical sun, cools local ambient undergrowth microclimates, and produces a constant layer of slow-decomposing leaf litter that significantly enriches soil organic matter.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1200.0 - 2600.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The thick, sticky white latex running through the entire plant acts as an effective defense mechanism, sealing physical wounds instantly and protecting the timber and developing fruits from wood-boring insects and herbivores.
Possesses a broad, spreading root system that excels at soil stabilization and anchor maintenance in storm-prone coastal regions, allowing it to rapidly absorb surface water and nutrients.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerability to extreme weather anomalies like tropical cyclones that easily snap its brittle branches, alongside rising sea levels causing destructive salt intrusion in shallow coastal aquifers.
Localized incidence of Phellinus noxious root rot and soft-rot diseases that threaten old, unstructured forest orchards where proper soil drainage is lacking.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Breadfruit played a central role in world history, notably driving the famous 1789 Mutiny on the HMS Bounty, as the ship's historic mission was precisely to collect breadfruit plants from Tahiti to transport to the Caribbean as cheap slave food.