African Breadnut Fruit Plants (Treculia Africana)

African Breadfruit (Treculia Africana):

Botanical Name: Treculia Africana

Common Name: Ukwa

General Information:

Native to Africa, found in every tropical country on the continent

Tropical, evergreen tree with smooth, dark-gray bark, fluted trunk, and dense, spreading crown

Thick bark releases white, rust-colored latex when sliced

Leaves are enormous, simple, and arranged alternately

Stem cuttings or seeds used for cultivation

Wood suitable for pulp and paper making, fuel, charcoal, furniture, carving, turnery, and inlay wood

Enormous, round, dense fruits with orange seeds embedded in spongy flesh

Culinary Uses: Seeds have a peanut-like flavor when cooked; consumed as dessert after roasting or boiling, Seeds pulverized into a meal, added to soups, and used in baked goods like bread and paste, Seeds processed to produce edible oil

Health Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein, Substantial amounts of micronutrients, including calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, and B3, High biological value of proteins, superior to soybeans, providing good polyvalent dietetic value, Used medicinally to treat swellings, leprosy, coughs, as a febrifuge, laxative, and anthelmintic

Cultivation Details:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3-4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate