ARTOCARPUS INTEGRIFOLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Artocarpus integrifolia is a species of tree belonging to the Moraceae family. Commonly known as jackfruit, it is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a dense, spreading canopy. It possesses large, glossy leaves that are elliptical in shape and leathery in texture.
The fruit produced by Artocarpus integrifolia is one of the largest tree-borne fruits worldwide, reaching up to 90 centimeters in length and weighing up to 45 kilograms. It has a distinctive oblong or ovate shape with a spiky, green skin, which turns yellowish-brown as it ripens. The flesh of the jackfruit is pale yellow and consists of many individual edible bulbs, which are sweet and have a tropical flavor.
Apart from its culinary uses, Artocarpus integrifolia also has cultural and medicinal significance. In various Asian cuisines, its ripe fruit is utilized in desserts, curries, and beverages, while the unripe fruit is cooked and used as a vegetable. The seeds of the jackfruit tree are also edible and can be roasted or boiled.
In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree, including the bark, roots, and leaves, are used for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, Artocarpus integrifolia is known for its potential as a timber species, producing durable and strong wood that is used for construction, furniture, and handicrafts.
Overall, Artocarpus integrifolia is a versatile tree species with a notable fruit and several noteworthy attributes, making it a valuable part of indigenous cultures and ecosystems in its native regions.
Etymology of ARTOCARPUS INTEGRIFOLIA
The word "Artocarpus integrifolia" has a scientific nomenclature rather than an etymology. It is derived from Latin and Greek roots and is composed of two parts:
1. "Artocarpus": This comes from the Greek words "artos" meaning "bread" and "karpos" meaning "fruit". The genus Artocarpus includes trees and shrubs that bear edible fruit, often referred to as "breadfruit" because of their starchy nature.
2. "integrifolia": This comes from the Latin words "integer" meaning "whole" or "complete" and "folium" meaning "leaf". "Integrifolia" describes the characteristic of having leaves that are entire or undivided, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.
