Artocarpus sericicarpus

Artocarpus sericicarpus, commonly known as pedalai, is a rare and exotic fruit tree from the rainforests of Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula, belonging to the Moraceae family—the same family as jackfruit and breadfruit. It is a tall tropical tree, often reaching 20–30 meters in height, and thrives in humid, lowland rainforest environments.

The fruit of Artocarpus sericicarpus is one of its most remarkable features: it is round to oval, covered in soft, hair-like projections, giving it a velvety or fuzzy appearance. The pulp is white, soft, and juicy, with a flavor described as sweet and mildly acidic, often compared to mangosteen or rambutan in taste and texture. Each fruit contains multiple seeds, and the flesh clings lightly, making it pleasant to eat by hand.

Though not widely cultivated, pedalai is highly prized in its native regions for fresh consumption and sometimes used in local food preparations. Its large size, delicious fruit, and attractive appearance make it a promising candidate for tropical fruit collectors, though it requires warm, humid conditions and rich, well-drained soil to thrive. Due to its limited range and cultivation, it is still considered rare outside Southeast Asia, and conservation of its native habitat is essential for its continued survival.

FRESH SEEDS July 2025