How2Day: Breadnut Trees in Florida

The breadnut tree is a tropical tree that produces a useful fruit. It is a member of the fig and mulberry family and is closely related to breadfruit. In fact, the breadnut was once considered a different genus called Brosimum alicastrum, but is now considered a member of the Artocarpus genus. Breadfruit's scientific name is Artocarpus altilis and breadnut is Artocarpus camansi. Breadnut is simply the seed form of breadfruit.

Breadnut trees can be found in Miami Dade County and Monroe Keys. There are a few in Key West and a specimen in the Fairchild Tropical Garden Rare Plant House. The trees need very warm temperatures and high humidity in a growing area where temperatures cannot dip below 60 degrees F. Breadnut trees in Florida need to be covered to prevent moisture loss and protect them from cold snaps. Only the southern tip of the state is suitable for growing this tropical tree.

Breadnuts are grown as ornamental trees in Florida. The trees can reach 50 feet in height and is fast growing. This makes it unsuitable for all but the biggest yards. The trees can be grown in pots and then moved in when weather becomes cooler, but they have to be heavily pruned, which reduces the fruit yield. Most Breadnut trees can be grown for only a few mild winter seasons before they succumb to the weather.

There are no Breadnut plantations in southern Florida. In spite of the importance of the crop to native regions, the fruit hasn't really caught on in the U.S. Most of the available fruit is imported from Mexico and India. The fruit is a spiny brown oval with sparse creamy flesh and numerous seeds. The seeds are eaten roasted or boiled and can even be made into flour. Wide-scale production is impractical in Florida due to the unpredictable weather around the coastal areas.

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