HEIGHT 33–65 ft (10–20 m)
TYPE Evergreen
OCCURRENCE S.E. Asia, known only in cultivation
The fruit of this tree is the largest treeborne fruit in the world. It can be eaten fresh, dried as confectionery, or canned. The pulp is used to flavor beverages and ice cream. The seeds can be roasted and used as table nuts. BARK Blackish brown, thick; exudes white latex. LEAF Alternate, elliptic to obovate. FLOWER Males and females borne on the same tree; males: on new wood among the leaves, small, ellipsoidal, and covered with pollen when mature; females: larger than the males, borne on short stalks on the stem and branches. FRUIT Yellowish brown syncarp, up to 110 lb (50 kg) in weight, covered with conical warts, waxy, golden yellow, aromatic pulp; 30–500 oval seeds, surrounded by a thick, gelatinous jacket.
