Tamil name: பலா மரம்
English name: Jack fruit tree
Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Family: Moraceae
Jack fruit tree is known as poor man’s food. The fruit and seeds are used for human consumption or animal feed, the bark is used as timber or firewood and leaves are used to make eco-friendly plates or bowls. It also possesses medicinal properties. Jackfruit is delicious and nutritious, cool in nature and strengthens the body. It also shows anticancerous, antihypertensive activity and helps in lowering the blood pressure. The root is used to treat asthma and fever. Leaves have abortifacient and wound healing property. The ash of burnt bark treats ear problems.