| Weight | 17 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 48 in |
| Tree Size | 3 Gallon Tree |
125 in stock
Original price was: $75.00.$60.00Current price is: $60.00.
Ma‘afala Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) – Compact & Container-Friendly Staple
Ma‘afala is a compact, highly productive breadfruit cultivar originating from Polynesia. Unlike other breadfruit trees, it branches low, stays naturally smaller, and thrives in containers—making it ideal for home growers. Its large, starchy fruit is rich in fiber and potassium and can be baked, roasted, or fried as a tropical staple crop.
More than just a tropical novelty, breadfruit has been a core food staple across Pacific Island cultures for thousands of years. Known as “‘ulu” in Hawaiian, it is celebrated in traditional feasts and family gatherings. With its sustainable yield and versatile use in both savory and sweet dishes, breadfruit has earned its reputation as a “tree of life” in island communities. It is often steamed or roasted and served with coconut milk, turned into chips, mashed like potatoes, or baked into breadfruit pie. This deep cultural legacy adds to the plant’s value in modern kitchens.
Quick Facts:
• Botanical Name: Artocarpus altilis
• Common Name: Ma‘afala Breadfruit
• Family: Moraceae
• Native Region: Polynesia (cultivated widely across the tropics)
• USDA Zones: 10b–12 (protected container growing in 9b)
• Mature Size: 20–30 ft tall unpruned; 8 ft with regular pruning
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam (pH 6–7.5)
• Moisture: Keep evenly moist; avoid standing water
• Self-Fertile: Yes
• Fruiting Time: Late summer (can bear 1–2 times annually)
• Time to Fruit: 3 years from Air Layered plants
• Best Uses: Roasted, baked, fried, or steamed
Climate & Hardiness: Ma‘afala prefers warm tropical climates. Best grown in zones 10b–12, but container culture makes it viable in zone 9b if protected from frost. Temperatures below 50°F cause damage; below 40°F may kill the plant.
Soil & Moisture: Grows well in well-drained loam enriched with compost or organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred (pH 6–7.5). Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Light Requirements: Requires full sun for best growth and fruiting. Place in a location with 6–8 hours of sun per day.
Size & Pruning: Naturally grows to 20–30 ft but easily maintained at 8 ft. Prune annually after fruiting to promote airflow and control size, especially in containers.
Fruit & Flavor: Produces large, green, round fruits that are seedless and starchy. Flesh is mildly sweet and potato-like when cooked. Excellent source of complex carbohydrates.
Pollination & Fruiting: Self-fertile and insect pollinated. Main fruiting occurs in late summer, sometimes with a secondary crop.
Propagation: Best propagated by root cuttings, grafting, or air-layering. Fruiting begins about 3 years after planting from these Air layered plants.
Fertilizer & Care: Feed 2–4 times a year with 3-1-2 N-P-K or a balanced tropical fruit fertilizer 10-10-10. Mulch with organic material to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid salt exposure.
Is Ma‘afala Breadfruit self-fertile? – Yes, it can produce fruit without a second tree.
How cold-tolerant is it? – Not frost-hardy. Protect below 50°F; lethal below 40°F.
Can it grow in a container? – Yes! This cultivar is ideal for large pots and pruning. Bring indoors or to a heated space in winter.
How long until it fruits? – Air Layered or cutting-grown plants may fruit in 3 years.
How big does it get? – Unpruned trees can reach 30 ft. Prune annually to maintain 8 ft.
What does the fruit taste like? – Mild and starchy like potato when cooked; not eaten raw.
What kind of soil does it need? – Well-drained loam with compost; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Is it invasive? – No, it is not considered invasive in Florida or elsewhere in the U.S.
How is it traditionally used? – Roasted over coals, baked into breads or pies, boiled like potatoes, or fermented and stored underground in Polynesian cultures.
SHIPPING
Carriers and Services
We ship all orders via UPS, offering Standard, Expedited, and Overnight services. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and the selected service.
Winter Shipping Advisory
Cold Weather Alert: Tropical trees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. During colder months, our greenhouses maintain warm, optimal conditions for growth, which makes plants more vulnerable to cold damage during shipping.
Recommendations: If temperatures along the shipping route are below 40°F, we recommend holding your order until it’s safe to ship. We will notify you if a delay is necessary.
No Freeze Warranty: We do not guarantee plants shipped during freezing conditions. Shipping in cold weather is at the buyer’s discretion and risk.
Shipping Schedule
Local (In-State) Shipments: Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most locations within the state receive deliveries in 1 to 2 days.
Out-of-State Shipments: Orders ship primarily on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
Packaging and Damage Claims
Plants are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. However, if damage occurs, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery.
Submit clear photos of the packaging and the plant to southeden@outlook.com. Claims cannot be processed without photos.
Order Processing and Pickup
Orders placed before 5:00 PM are processed the same business day.
Local pickups are available between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays and are processed on the same day.
Returns
All sales are final.
Due to agricultural regulations, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any items, including live tropical trees.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, contact us at southeden@outlook.com within 3 days of delivery. Claims must include clear photos of the packaging and item to be reviewed. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for supporting South Eden Edible Nursery! We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring your plants arrive in the best possible condition.
