Jackfruit

Massive tropical tree (50-80ft) creating dense shade canopy, excellent for food forests and permaculture systems. Its broad spreading crown provides multi-story architecture for understory crops. Works as windbreak and living fence when young.

Leaves used traditionally for diabetes management and wound healing. Latex applied to treat abscesses and glandular swellings. Root decoction for asthma and fever. Seeds considered aphrodisiac and used for digestive issues. Ripe fruit pulp helps regulate blood sugar.

World's largest tree fruit (up to 80lbs). Young green fruit cooked as vegetable with meat-like texture, popular as vegan pulled pork substitute. Ripe fruit eaten fresh with honey-sweet flavor. Seeds roasted or boiled like chestnuts. Flowers used in salads and curries.

Native to Western Ghats rainforests. Supports numerous pollinators and fruit bats. Fallen fruits feed wild boars, civets, and macaques. Deep taproot prevents erosion while improving soil structure. Leaf litter creates rich mulch layer supporting diverse soil organisms.

Evergreen tree with leathery, dark green obovate leaves (4-8 inches). Distinctive cauliflory - fruits grow directly from trunk and main branches. Bark dark grey, thick, exuding white latex when cut. Male and female flowers on same tree. Fruit covered in soft spines.

Termite-resistant golden-yellow hardwood prized for furniture, musical instruments, and Hindu/Buddhist temple construction. Excellent for doors, window frames, and roof construction. Ages to rich brown color. Sawdust yields yellow dye for monk robes.

Single fruit contains up to 500 seeds and can feed an entire family. Bangladesh's national fruit. Wood chips smell like chocolate when fresh cut. Tree can produce 200+ fruits annually, yielding 3 tons of food. Prehistoric fruit - cultivated for over 6,000 years.