Artocarpus dadah: A Rare Scarlet Jewel from the Mulberry Family
Botanical Name: Artocarpus dadah
Common Names: Dadah tree, Red-fleshed Jack, Scarlet Cempedak
Native Region: Myanmar to Western Malesia, including the rainforests of Sumatra
A Tropical Treasure Rooted in the Wild
The Artocarpus dadah is a towering presence in its native habitat, often reaching majestic heights of up to 35 meters. Closely related to jackfruit, marang, and cempedak, this species is a lesser-known member of the mulberry family with a unique identity of its own. Its naturally bright red pulp sets it apart — visually striking and rich in tradition and potential.
In the wild, this deciduous tree has long served communities not only as a valuable timber source but also as a provider of food and healing remedies. Though once commonly found in forest ecosystems, growing demand and deforestation have made this species increasingly rare — making each plant in cultivation a step toward preservation.
Fruit Characteristics and Culinary Use
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The fruits of Artocarpus dadah are medium-sized and round to slightly oblong.
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Inside, the vivid red flesh surprises and delights with its sour, aromatic, and tangy profile.
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It can be eaten fresh or incorporated into traditional chutneys, local preserves, and even fermented delicacies in its native regions.
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The fruit pairs wonderfully with jaggery, yogurt, or mildly sweet elements, making it a chef’s curiosity and a folk favorite.
Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits
The red flesh of Artocarpus dadah is not just eye-catching—it’s packed with goodness:
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Rich in Vitamin C and natural antioxidants that help in boosting immunity.
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Known in traditional medicine for its digestive properties and for cleansing the system.
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Folk healers across its native range have used various parts of the plant to treat minor infections and inflammatory conditions.
Its nutritional composition also suggests potential for combating oxidative stress and supporting metabolic balance.
Cultural Importance and Local Wisdom
In regions like Sumatra and parts of Myanmar, the fruit is more than just food—it’s a part of seasonal rituals, family gatherings, and market traditions. Often passed between neighbors or exchanged in barter, it carries with it an identity deeply woven into cultural memory.
Plant Growth and Maintenance
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Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained loamy soil with rich organic matter.
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Watering: Requires regular watering during establishment, but becomes more drought-tolerant as it matures.
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Sunlight: Thrives in full to partial sunlight, especially in humid tropical zones.
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Height: Can grow into a medium-sized tree under controlled garden settings (10–15 meters).
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Time to Fruit: Under suitable care, the tree begins bearing fruit within 5–7 years.
Gardeners admire its ornamental leaves and red-fruited beauty, which attract curious eyes and birds alike.
Preservation, Availability, and Veliyath Gardens’ Role
Due to its overexploitation for timber and gradual disappearance from wild forests, the Artocarpus dadah is now rarely seen even in its native regions. Its red-fleshed variety is in high demand but very limited in supply.
At Veliyath Gardens, we are proud to act not just as a nursery, but as a living encyclopedia for fruit lovers—curating rare, threatened, and exotic species like the Artocarpus dadah. This initiative of bringing rare ethnobotanical treasures into the public domain is a first-of-its-kind effort to reconnect people with nature’s bounty.
Why You Should Bring This Tree Into Your Life
If you are a plant enthusiast, a collector of rare fruiting species, or someone passionate about food and nature, Artocarpus dadah offers a compelling experience:
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Add diversity and rarity to your fruit garden.
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Grow a tree that carries cultural legacy and medicinal heritage.
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Be a custodian of a plant that is fast vanishing from the wild.
This isn’t just a tree—it’s a statement of conservation, taste, and tradition.
Available in Limited Stock at Veliyath Gardens
Due to growing interest and the plant’s slow propagation, our supply remains limited. We encourage interested gardeners and fruit lovers to reserve their plant early. Bring home this crimson wonder before it's gone from gardens too.