Breadfruit
”I knew all along this was a stupid idea.. They’re probably out drinking right now. Anne? Anne-who?”
~Anne
Species:
Artocarpus altilis
Common Name:
Breadfruit
Family:
Moraceae
Seen in:
• Jurassic Park Trespasser (1998)
Description:
Commonly known for the bread-like texture of its fruit and potato flavor, the Breadfruit Tree is a species of tree that originates from islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania. It belongs to a family known as Moraceae, of which contains about 38 genera with over 1100 species! Throughout colonial times in the 18th century, the genus became widespread into other countries, ranging from Central America, Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Caribbean.
The particular species described here, called Artocarpus altilis, is presumed to be a domesticated version of other species within the genus Artocarpus. As mentioned, spread across the globe thanks to colonial age, as Europeans planted seeds of the tree in many regions and islands in order to cultivate its fruit.
In Jurassic Park’s History, the tree is first and only seen on the Southeast of Isla Sorna, abundant in the lush tropical regions. As the Costa Rican Island is on the other side of the globe, it is natural to believe the tree was artificially introduced into Sorna during the 18th century, rapidly spreading and becoming part of the ecosystem.
Size Estimates:
Up to 20m Tall
Did you know?
Being found near the tropical southeast of Isla Sorna, near an abandoned plantation house, it is very possible that the Breadfruit was introduced into the Island during the colonial period in the 18th century!
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
The Breadfruit is a tropical plant, growing in lush equatorial plains and rainforests of various islands. It manages to tolerate high temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 38°C. Following the increasing demand of a cheap and high-energy food source to slaves during colonial times, the Breadfruit was introduced in the Caribbean sometime around 1760. A distant reach from its original environment in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Nowadays, the tree is commonly seen in many regions of the world, including countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, Togo, India and many more. Alongside its origin places being New Guinea, Maluku Islands and the Philippines.
At some point in the 19th century, around the late 1800s, a Coffee Plantation House was set on Isla Sorna after its discovery by Spanish merchants. The tree would likely be introduced into the Island as a source of food for slaves and exporting. 200 years later, the tree is abundant in the Southeast of the Island, possibly having its fruit be a source of nutrients to herbivorous Dinosaurs that inhabit the Island now.
Individual Variation:
This Species has no known variation.