The bread tree belongs to the mulberry family. You can meet him in tropical countries, mainly on the islands.
It is a large tree, reaching 30 meters in height. There are about 40 of its species. Depending on weather conditions, breadfruit may be deciduous or evergreen. Outwardly, it looks a bit like an oak. Begins to bear fruit for 4-5 years.
The tree has a smooth bark of gray color. Its branches are striking in their diversity. Some may be thick and have leaves along their entire length, while others may be thin, with a small amount of green only at the ends.
Also, the plant has very unusual large and thick leaves. They can be of different shapes (solid or dissected) even on the same tree branch.
The flowers of the plant are small, inconspicuous and have a green color. They can be male and female. The first are elongated and bloom earlier. Female - with a larger inflorescence, resembling a mace in shape.
Of particular value breadfruit have its fruits, which are a constant and staple food for residents of tropical regions. They are large fruits with an oval shape. Ripe fruits are yellow and tan, and reach a weight of 3-4 kilograms. Inside, depending on the type, there are (and may be absent) seeds that are also eaten.
Few trees and shrubs can compare with this generous fruitful plant. In just one season, it can produce up to 200 fruits.
Ripe fruits are eaten fried, boiled or baked. To their taste, they are somewhat reminiscent of bread and potatoes at the same time. Plant seeds are also fried and eaten.
Since many fruits are ripening at the same time, the locals have come up with their own way of storing them. To do this, dig a hole, line the bottom with leaves of a breadfruit and put peeled and washed fruits into it. Before using them, they roam for several weeks, although in this state the fruits remain edible after a year or more.
Coconut oil is added to the resulting mass and cakes are baked. They taste like regular bread. Tourists usually get used to it quickly. Also, fruits can be used as one of the ingredients of a local dish.
The breadfruit is characterized by a high fiber content. Eating its fruits reduces cholesterol, reduces the risk of certain heart diseases. The plant normalizes the intestines, cleansing it of toxins.
The bread tree also contains fatty acids that regulate the metabolism, help bone growth and affect the condition of hair and skin.
The plant is known not only for its fruits. Its wood is also much appreciated. It is lightweight, durable and resistant to worms, insects and various fungi that can damage. Breadfruit wood is used in the construction of dwellings, musical instruments and boats.
And from the fibers of young plants of certain types make paper, clothes, fishing tackle and rope.
Bread tree, a photo of which can be found on the Internet, has analogues for growing at home. But such a plant will not bear fruit, it is used as an ordinary flower.