Artocarpus dadah Live Plant

Artocarpus dadah – The Forgotten Jewel of Tropical Forests

Botanical Name: Artocarpus dadah
Family: Moraceae
Local Names: Known as ‘Dadah’ in Malay, and referred to by various tribal names in parts of Borneo and Sumatra.

A Tree Rooted in the Depths of Southeast Asia

Among the wild canopies of tropical rainforests in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo, stands the lesser-known cousin of the popular jackfruit – Artocarpus dadah. This native tree, deeply embedded in the cultural memory of indigenous forest communities, holds a quiet but remarkable place in the Moraceae family.

Although overshadowed by its more commercial relatives, the Dadah tree has started to gain attention among rare fruit collectors and ecological garden lovers for its rich ecological value, traditional uses, and unique fruit profile.

The Fruit – A Rare Treat

The fruits of Artocarpus dadah are often rounded or slightly oblong, wrapped in a greenish-yellow to golden skin, and filled with soft, edible pulp. The flavour is subtly sweet with earthy undertones, sometimes described as a mix of mild jackfruit and fig, making it both nostalgic and novel.

These fruits are:

• Consumed fresh in local forest communities

• Occasionally used in local dishes or boiled

• Sometimes offered during cultural or forest harvest festivals

Though not widely cultivated for the market, they are cherished for their authenticity and natural sweetness in areas where the tree still grows wild.

Health and Environmental Importance

Apart from its culinary value, Artocarpus dadah is appreciated for several traditional and environmental benefits:

• The fruit pulp is believed to be nourishing and digestive-friendly

• The seeds, when boiled or roasted, are considered rich in energy

• Some indigenous cultures have used parts of the tree in folk remedies

• The tree itself contributes to forest regeneration and soil stability

Its large canopy provides shade, supports biodiversity, and plays a role in preserving moist, tropical ecosystems.

Growth Habits and Cultivation

• Height: The tree can grow up to 30 meters, forming a robust and handsome canopy

• Leaves: Glossy, lobed leaves give the plant a striking ornamental appeal

• Climate: Thrives in tropical climates with high humidity

• Soil: Prefers loamy or slightly clayey soils with good drainage

• Maintenance: Moderate; regular watering and space for growth are key

• Propagation: Usually grown from seeds or wild-sourced saplings

Ideal for large gardens, rare fruit orchards, or conservation landscapes, Artocarpus dadah is both a visual and botanical asset.

Rare, Rooted, and Remarkable – Only at Veliyath Gardens

In keeping with our mission to bring forgotten and rare fruit trees into the reach of enthusiasts, Veliyath Gardens is proud to offer live plants of Artocarpus dadah. Whether you're a plant conservationist, rare species grower, or simply someone who cherishes unique fruit experiences, this tree is a treasure to nurture and preserve.

Add this living heritage of Southeast Asia to your plant garden and be a guardian of a species that's as valuable as it is vanishing.

Reconnect with Nature through the Rare Dadah Tree

Let your garden tell a story of forgotten fruits and forest wisdom. With Artocarpus dadah, you're not just planting a tree—you’re growing a piece of tropical history.

Veliyath Gardens – Preserving Biodiversity. Growing Legacies.