Breadnut
Brosimum alicastrum
- Native to:
- Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru
Photo by David J. Stang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Genus:
- Brosimum
- Species:
- Brosimum alicastrum
- USDA Symbol:
- BRAL3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 4500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, bats
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in tropical forest environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 15–45 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are recalcitrant and lose viability quickly when dried. Should be sown fresh for best germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI