Artocarpus altilis

photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Best practices for survivability and field observations

One recommended mulching, while several others noted irrigation is recommended. Two said it required a period of watering to become established (the first five years). Another noted that it creates lots of runners at a field site, while another said it makes great shade and keeps weeds out–a successful species.

Stressors and pests

Susceptible to borer beetles and to Queensland Longhorn Beetle (Hawai‘i Island detected only). Two noted it is sensitive to pig damage (they stripped some bark and eat leaves, small trees), however one respondent noted the species did recover after ungulate damage. Another mentioned that deer and goats don’t affect mature trees where leaves are out of reach. Another noted its low tolerance to wind.

Availability and propagation

There are mixed responses on commercial availability, with several noting it can be expensive or else unavailable to buy due to high demand. A couple of respondents noted only certain varieties are available from seeds. Many recommended cuttings especially from the root, with one saying root cuttings are required for a tree that produces fruit. Another experience is with cuttings grown in a mist system, tissue culture, and from air layers (also known as stem cuttings). Many noted that air layering works but requires the know-how, and that it can be slower. Several noted that some cultivars are easier to clone than others, and that preferred varieties may be difficult/slow to propagate. Tissue culture may help with large scale need if there is enough demand. Several noted that the species will easily sprout beneath a parent plant and that young plantings need attention. These can be potted up, grown at home until they are established for eventual out-planting.

Survey Results

For information about the survey, refer to our article: on Coastal Plants for Creating Green Breaks