Family: Moraceae
Author: Sw.
Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 12 (1788)
Year: 1788
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Brosimum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mexico to C. America, Caribbean
Description
The Breadnut, scientifically known as Brosimum alicastrum, is a prominent member of the Moraceae family. This versatile tree is indigenous to a wide geographical range extending from Mexico through Central America and also flourishing in parts of the Caribbean. The tree was first documented in the Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ: 12 in 1788 by the botanist Sw., marking its importance in both historical and botanical studies.
Breadnut trees are renowned for their robust growth and adaptability to various climates within their native regions. These trees can typically be found in tropical forests, where they contribute significantly to the local ecosystems. The tree produces a prolific quantity of seeds, which are not only consumed by wildlife but have also been traditionally used by humans for various purposes, including as a food source. This adaptability and utility have made the Breadnut a key element in sustaining biodiversity and supporting traditional agricultural practices among indigenous communities.
Besides its ecological and cultural importance, the Breadnut has sparked interest for its potential contributions to sustainable agriculture and food security. The seeds are rich in nutrients and can be ground into flour, offering a gluten-free alternative that is both nutritious and versatile for culinary uses. Additionally, the tree provides valuable timber and latex, further underscoring its economic importance.
In summary, Brosimum alicastrum, or Breadnut, stands out as a vital component of both natural habitats and human livelihoods across its native range. Its myriad uses and ecological benefits underscore its significance in promoting biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural heritage in the regions where it thrives.
Common Names
Eng: breadnut
Deu: brotnußbaum
Spa: apompo, capomo, ojoche, ramón, berba, burba, guaimaro, nui, ojite, tillo
Swe: brödnötsträd
Fra: noyer à pain
En: Breadnut, Ramón Tree, Cow tree, Milk tree
Eo: Majaa brosimo
Fr: Noyer à pain, Noix-pain
De: Brotnußbaum, Brotnussbaum
Fa: بروسیموم آلیکاستروم
Es: Apompo, Capomo, Ojoche, Ramón, Berba, Burba, Guaimaro, Nui, Ojite, Tillo
Sv: Brödnötsträd
Synonyms
- Piratinera alicastrum ((Sw.) Baill.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Florida (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Eduardo López Argueta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Eduardo López Argueta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jul 22, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − Francisco Farriols Sarabia (cc-by)
Taken Mar 28, 2015 by EOL − Neptalí Ramírez Marcial (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 7, 2014 by EOL − Francisco Farriols Sarabia (cc-by)
Taken Mar 22, 2015 by EOL − Zabdiel Peralta (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 27, 2022 by maria Bovo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alex Monro (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alex Monro (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alex Monro (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2006 by EOL − C. E. Timothy Paine (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984660)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:850824-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Brosimum alicastrum Sw.)