Fruity, shady and ornamental too

Best known for its fruit among most Sri Lankans the Del is a medium-sized tree growing to about 15m. It has a dense, wide crown and a pleasing shape.

It is best recognized by its distinct leaves. They are large and lobed on either side of the mid-vein. The lobes look like long fingers stretching out from the vein. The leaves are smooth on both sides and grassy green when young and yellow when old. The flowers are green, numerous and minute and appear in clusters that look like bags.

The Del fruit is elliptic and is covered with prickles and has a leathery feel. It is light green. The fruit is borne at the end of the branches. This fruit is in fact a composition of many fruits which are contained within the outer skin. Each of these fruits has an individual seed and a covering of white starchy pulp. Hence the English name of Breadfruit. The outer appearance of the fruit is similar to that of the Jak which is slightly more oval shaped and usually a darker green.

The wood is yellowish and fairly light and is only used for light construction. It is susceptible to termites. The tree is most often planted for its fruit which is cooked when unripe. Ecologically too this species is important since it provides food for many species.

The Del grows best in the low country wet zone but can also be seen in the dry and intermediate zones. It is commonly seen in home gardens in both urban and rural areas being grown for its fruit, for shade and ornamental value.

The Del is known in Tamil as Erapila or Arsinipila. The scientific name is Artocarpus incisus a reference to its lobed leaves. The Del was introduced to Sri Lanka from South East Asia.

Compiled by Ruk Rakaganno - 2554438; email: rukraks@sltnet.lk.