Pedalai (Artocarpus sericicarpus)

Product description

The pedalai has striking hairy and edible fruits and belongs to the same genus as the jackfruit. The species originates from Southeast Asia, including Borneo, the Philippines, the Moluccas and Sulawesi, where it grows in tropical forests at altitudes between 300 and 1000 metres. The tree itself can grow up to 40 metres high in the wild. The tree has graceful, dark green leaves that can grow up to 40 cm long. When the plant is young, the leaves are strikingly lobed and only later become oval. After flowering and pollination, yellow-orange hairy fruits up to 15 cm in size form, which somewhat resemble large rambutan fruits. Both the white flesh and the seeds are edible. The seeds can be roasted or boiled and eaten like peanuts. The taste of the flesh is somewhat similar to the marang, with a sweet, aromatic flavour, but without the strong smell. The bark of the tree is traditionally used for making barkcloth.

In a temperate climate, the species can be kept as a houseplant in a slightly sunny spot. Ensure a temperature between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius and well-draining soil. Water regularly and gradually allow the plant to acclimatise to more light.

Sowing description: Sow the germinated seed immediately upon receipt in seed and cutting compost. A temperature above 24°C is best for the initial development of the plant and cover it up to Ensure a higher humidity. Place in a spot with plenty of indirect light.