Chembarathi Varikka Jack Fruit Plant

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus

• Variety: Chembarathi Varikka (a regional Kerala variety known for sweet, aromatic fruit)

• Family: Moraceae

• Common Names:

  • Jackfruit

  • Kathal (Hindi)

  • Chakka (Malayalam/Tamil)

  • Halasu (Kannada)

• Origin: Native to India, widely cultivated in tropical Asia

• Type: Large tropical evergreen fruit tree

 Appearance

• Height: 10–20 m tall at maturity

• Leaves: Glossy, dark green, leathery, oblong

• Flowers: Small, unisexual, borne on tree trunk (cauliflorous)

• Fruit:

  • Large, green to yellow when ripe

  • Sweet, aromatic flesh

  • Edible bulbs (arils) inside fibrous fruit

  • Seed inside each aril, edible after cooking

 Care Guide

Sun Light

• Requires full sun for best flowering and fruiting

 Soil

• Prefers well-draining, fertile loamy soil

• Tolerates sandy, clay, and slightly acidic soils

• Needs good organic matter for better yield

 Watering

• Water young plants regularly to establish roots

• Mature trees are drought-tolerant but produce better fruit with regular watering

Fertilizer

• Apply well-decomposed organic compost or cow dung

• Supplement with NPK fertilizers for better flowering and fruiting

• Apply in 3–4 splits during growing season

 Pruning

• Remove dead, diseased, or crowded branches

• Light pruning improves air circulation and fruit quality

 Uses & Benefits

1. Culinary Uses:

   • Ripe arils eaten fresh or in desserts

   • Unripe fruit cooked as vegetable (chips, curries, pickles)

   • Seeds roasted or boiled as nutritious snack

2. Nutritional Value:

   • Rich in vitamins A, C, fiber, and antioxidants

   • Good source of energy and minerals

3. Medicinal / Traditional Uses:

   • Fruit and seeds used in Ayurveda for digestion and general health

   • Leaves sometimes used in folk remedies for wounds or skin issues

4. Ornamental & Shade Value:

   • Large evergreen tree, provides shade and landscaping value