Scientific Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.

Description: Smooth tree reaching a height of 8 to 15 meters. Leaves are alternate, leathery, elliptic-oblong to obovate, entire or 3-lobed, 7 to 15 cm long, the apex and base pointed. The fruit is green to greenish-yellow when ripe, fleshy, hanging on short stalks, oblong with pyramidal projections, 25-60 cm long. Seeds are numerous, 2-4 cm long. The testa is thin, coriaceous with an edible luscious pulp.

Traditional Uses:

- Skin diseases, ulcers and wounds: Mix the burnt ashes of leaves (preferably fresh) with coconut oil, and as ointment, apply to affected areas.

- Diarrhea, fever and asthma: A decoction of the root (preferably chopped into small pieces before boiling) of the tree, three to four cups daily.

- Glandular swelling and snake bites: Apply the milky juice of the tree. When mixed with vinegar, it is especially beneficial for glandular swelling and abscesses, promoting absorption and suppuration.

- The ripe fruit is laxative; in large quantities, it produces diarrhea.

- The roasted seeds believed to have aphrodisiac properties.

Excerpts from: "An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Godofredo Stuart"