Jackfruit

Description

A large spreading evergreen tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, entire, shiny, ovate and acute. Male flowers seen in cylindrical receptacles, and female in globose receptacles. Fruits large, fleshy, globose multiple fruit covered with thorny tubercles. Seeds oval and shiny.

Uses

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, diarrhea, fever, wound, skin diseases, urinary retention and general weakness. Root extract is used to treat fever and diarrhoea. The root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. The bark is used as a poultice. The wood has a sedative property. The jackfruit pulp and the seeds are considered a tonic by the Chinese. It also helps one get over the influence of alcohol. The starch from the seeds is used to relieve biliousness The roasted seeds are said to be an aphrodisiac. The burnt residue of jackfruit leaves mixed with burnt corn and coconut shells is used to heal ulcers. It is also a good source of vitamin B1 and B2.