Here’s a detailed description of the Red Jackfruit Plant, a rare and exotic variety of the traditional jackfruit:
Red Jackfruit Plant Description
Common Name: Red Jackfruit, Rudrakshi Jackfruit (in some regions)
Botanical Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus (Red-fleshed variety)
Family: Moraceae
Overview:
The Red Jackfruit is a special cultivar of the common jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) known for its striking red or deep orange pulp. It is highly prized for its unique color, strong aroma, and sweet, flavorful flesh.
Plant Characteristics:
Type:
Evergreen, tropical fruit tree
Long-living and fast-growing
Height & Spread:
Can grow up to 10–20 meters tall
Dense, rounded canopy with strong branches
Leaves:
Glossy, dark green, oval-shaped with a leathery texture
Alternately arranged on the branches
Flowers:
Jackfruit is monoecious – both male and female flowers grow on the same tree
Flowers are small and appear on older branches or near the trunk (cauliflorous habit)
Fruits:
Large, oblong to round, can weigh 5 to 30 kg or more
Outer skin is green to yellow when ripe and covered with small, blunt spikes
The flesh (bulbs) inside is bright red to deep orange, depending on variety and ripeness
Very sweet, aromatic, and soft to moderately firm in texture
Each bulb contains a seed that is also edible when cooked
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Thrives in hot, humid tropical climates
Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production
Watering: Needs regular watering, especially during flowering and fruit development
Propagation:
Commonly propagated through seeds, budding, or grafting
Grafted plants are preferred for ensuring true-to-type fruit and faster fruiting
Uses:
Edible Fruit: Consumed fresh or used in sweets, jams, and desserts
Seeds: Boiled or roasted and eaten like chestnuts
Wood: Durable and used in furniture and construction
Medicinal: Traditionally used in some cultures for treating digestive and skin issues
🌟 Special Notes:
The red-fleshed jackfruit is rarer than the yellow variety and often considered more flavorful and visually appealing.
Popular in parts of Southern India (especially Kerala and Karnataka), Thailand, and Indonesia.
Let me know if you’d like a care guide, planting tips, or details on red jackfruit varieties like Sindoor Jack or Chandra Varika.