1. Introduction & Taxonomy

Pulantan is an endemic Philippine Artocarpus species with extremely limited distribution and conservation concerns. Found only in remaining lowland rainforest fragments, this rare tree produces edible fruits consumed by local communities and wildlife. Habitat loss has severely reduced wild populations, making cultivation efforts important for both conservation and sustainable use. Artocarpus sericicarpus is notable for reaching 0.2 m in height, edible fruit.

A pulantan tree in the rainforest, laden with ripe fruits truly is a sight to behold. The large fruits reach up to 20 cm (8 in.) in length and are densely covered with long, fleshy tubercles. The fruit is mandarin orange in color on the exterior. The fleshy arils found inside are very sweet and agreeable. The seeds can also eaten, best dried, roasted or fried. Outside of it's native range on Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines, where it is also called terap bulu or pedalai, it is virtually unknown. A true king of the jungle, it is best suited for cultivation as a wonderful, fruit bearing shade tree in the humid hot tropics.

Taxonomic Classification

Habitat and Distribution

Artocarpus sericicarpus is native to various regions. The genus Artocarpus is characterised by its deciduous/evergreen growth form.

Native Range & Distribution Map

The map below shows the native range and notable cultivation regions for Artocarpus sericicarpus.

2. Morphology & Growth Form

Crown Form & Architecture

Artocarpus sericicarpus develops a broad, spreading canopy that can extend well beyond the height of the trunk. This umbrella-like crown form provides extensive shade and is characteristic of savanna and open-habitat trees.

Key Characteristics

• Height: 0.2 m
• Growth Habit: Tree
• Growth Rate: Moderate under optimal conditions
• Edible: Produces edible fruit or other parts

Notable Adaptations

This medium-sized evergreen tree reaches 15-20 meters with smooth grey bark and a moderately dense crown. Leaves are oblong to elliptic, entire, and leathery with distinctive silky-hairy undersides (hence 'sericicarpus'). Fruits develop on trunk and branches, covered in soft yellowish hairs, smaller than most cultivated Artocarpus species, with edible sweet-sour flesh.

3. Reproduction & Propagation

The primary propagation methods for Artocarpus sericicarpus: Seed, cuttings, or grafting.

Propagating Artocarpus sericicarpus

Propagates from fresh seeds which germinate in 4-8 weeks under warm humid conditions. Seeds lose viability quickly and should be planted immediately after extraction. Grafting techniques have not been extensively developed but would likely succeed using methods proven for related Artocarpus species. Cuttings are challenging but may root with hormone treatment.

Artocarpus sericicarpus can be propagated from seed. Collect ripe fruit or seed pods and extract seeds. Many tree seeds have physical or physiological dormancy requiring scarification (nicking or soaking in hot water) or cold stratification before germination. Sow in a well-draining seed mix, keep moist, and provide warmth (20–25°C) and light.

Vegetative Propagation

• Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Treat cut ends with rooting hormone and place in a well-draining medium (perlite/peat mix) under high humidity. Many tree species root readily from cuttings.
• Grafting: Grafting is widely used for fruit trees, ornamental cultivars, and species difficult to root from cuttings. Common techniques include whip-and-tongue, cleft, and bud grafting onto compatible rootstock.
• Air Layering: Useful for species difficult to root from cuttings. Wound a branch, apply rooting hormone, wrap with moist sphagnum and plastic, and wait for roots to develop (usually 2–6 months).

4. Cultivation & Planting

Requires deep, humus-rich, acidic soils typical of Philippine lowland dipterocarp forests. Demands high year-round humidity and consistent rainfall exceeding 2500 mm annually. Shade-tolerant when young but requires canopy gaps or full sun for flowering and fruiting. Apply organic compost annually and minimal synthetic fertilizers to mimic forest conditions.

Soil Requirements

Artocarpus sericicarpus grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a loamy texture. Most trees are adaptable to a range of soil pH values (5.5–7.5). Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter and grit to improve drainage and aeration.

Watering

Water regularly during establishment (first 2–3 years after planting). Once established, most trees develop deep root systems that access subsoil moisture. Supplemental irrigation during prolonged drought improves growth and reduces stress.

Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade, depending on species. Most trees produce their best form, flowering, and fruiting in full sun. Some understorey species tolerate or prefer partial shade.

Temperature & Hardiness

• Optimal Growth: 15–30°C (59–86°F)
• Minimum Tolerance: -12°C (10°F)
• USDA Hardiness: Zones 8-11

Planting Guidelines

• Timing: Plant bare-root trees in late autumn to early spring during dormancy. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round but establish best when planted in autumn.
• Spacing: Allow adequate space for the mature canopy spread. Crowding leads to poor form, increased disease pressure, and competition for light and water.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container. Do not bury the root flare — this is a common planting error that leads to slow decline.
• Staking: Stake only if necessary (exposed windy sites), and remove stakes after 1–2 years to encourage trunk strengthening.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Follow this season-by-season guide for optimal care timing throughout the year.

5. Diseases & Pests

Artocarpus sericicarpus, like most trees, is generally resilient when growing in appropriate conditions. Most disease problems arise from environmental stress, poor planting, or mechanical damage.

Major Diseases

Root Rot (Phytophthora, Armillaria)

Root rot is the most devastating tree disease complex. Phytophthora thrives in waterlogged soils and attacks fine roots, while Armillaria (honey fungus) produces distinctive mushrooms at the base of infected trees. Prevention: ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and do not pile soil or mulch against the trunk.

Canker Diseases

Canker-forming fungi (Nectria, Cytospora, Botryosphaeria) invade through wounds, pruning cuts, or stressed tissue. Sunken, discoloured bark areas expand and can girdle branches or trunks. Prune out infected wood well below the canker margin. Prevent by avoiding bark injuries and maintaining tree vigour.

Leaf Spot / Anthracnose

Fungal leaf spots and anthracnose cause browning, spotting, and premature leaf drop. Usually more cosmetic than life-threatening. Improve air circulation, rake and destroy fallen leaves, and apply fungicides in severe cases.

Common Pests

• Borers — Wood-boring beetles and clearwing moths attack stressed trees. Maintain vigour through proper watering, mulching, and avoiding bark damage.
• Defoliators — Caterpillars, sawfly larvae, and leaf beetles can severely defoliate trees. Healthy trees usually recover from a single defoliation event. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control.
• Scale Insects & Aphids — Sap-sucking insects that weaken trees and produce honeydew, leading to sooty mould. Treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide.
• Spider Mites — Cause stippled, bronzed foliage in dry conditions. Increase humidity and apply miticide.

Additional Disease Notes

Limited cultivation means pest and disease profiles are poorly documented. Likely susceptible to standard Artocarpus pathogens including fruit rots, pink disease, and stem borers. Preventive measures include good air circulation, sanitation, and organic pest management practices.

6. Pruning & Maintenance

Minimal intervention recommended to maintain natural growth habit. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches to preserve forest-like architecture.

Pruning Principles

• Formative Pruning: Establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches in the first 5–10 years. Remove co-dominant stems, crossing branches, and low branches that will need removal later.
• Maintenance Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, damaged, and crossing branches. Never remove more than 25% of the live crown in a single year.
• Timing: Prune deciduous trees during dormancy (winter) for major structural work. Summer pruning can be used for light corrective work and to slow vigorous growth.

Mulching

Apply a 5–10 cm layer of organic mulch (wood chips, bark, leaf mould) around the base of the tree, extending to the drip line if possible. Keep mulch 10–15 cm away from the trunk to prevent collar rot. Mulch conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and improves soil biology as it decomposes.

Fertilisation

Young trees benefit from a balanced slow-release fertiliser (NPK 10-10-10 or similar) applied in early spring. Established trees in good soil rarely need fertilisation. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that promote soft, disease-susceptible growth.

7. Landscape & Agroforestry

Suitable only for botanical gardens, conservation collections, and restoration projects in appropriate tropical humid climates. Important for Philippine biodiversity conservation efforts.

Landscape Applications

• Specimen Tree: Plant as a focal point in lawns, parks, or large gardens where its form can be fully appreciated
• Shade Tree: Provides cooling summer shade for buildings, patios, and outdoor living areas. A single large shade tree can reduce cooling costs by 20–40%.
• Street / Avenue Tree: Suitable for urban planting in streets, plazas, and parks where space allows for mature canopy development.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides nesting sites for birds, food sources (seeds, fruit, nectar), and shelter for diverse wildlife
• Agroforestry: Can be integrated into agricultural systems as shade trees, windbreaks, nitrogen fixers, or fruit/nut producers

Companion Planting

Create effective plant communities by combining with:

• Understorey Trees — Smaller trees and large shrubs that thrive beneath the canopy
• Ground Covers — Shade-tolerant perennials, ferns, and bulbs for the forest floor layer
• Climbers — Mature trees can support non-damaging climbers like clematis or jasmine
• Bulbs — Spring-flowering bulbs beneath deciduous trees take advantage of light before leaf emergence

8. Climate Adaptation & Hardiness

Strictly tropical, requiring warm humid conditions year-round. Cannot tolerate temperatures below 18°C. Not suitable for cultivation outside equatorial regions.

Hardiness Thresholds

• USDA Zones: 8-11
• Minimum Survival Temperature: -12°C (10°F)

Cold Protection Strategies

• Site Selection: Plant in sheltered positions with good air drainage (avoid frost pockets). South- or west-facing walls provide radiated warmth and wind protection.
• Mulching: A deep mulch layer (10–15 cm) over the root zone insulates roots from freezing temperatures and reduces soil temperature fluctuations.
• Wrapping: Protect the trunk and scaffold branches of borderline-hardy trees with horticultural fleece or hessian during severe cold events. This is especially important for young trees during their first few winters.
• Container Growing: Trees in containers can be moved to frost-free locations for winter. Use large, insulated containers to protect roots from freezing.

Heat & Drought Adaptation

Many trees develop deep taproots and extensive lateral root systems that access water well beyond the canopy drip line. Drought adaptations include deciduousness (shedding leaves to conserve water), thick bark, small or waxy leaves, and the ability to close stomata rapidly during water stress.

9. Ethnobotany & Cultural Significance

Local Philippine communities traditionally harvest pulantan fruits from wild trees for fresh consumption, though use is limited compared to other Artocarpus species. The tree holds ecological importance as food for wildlife including hornbills and fruit bats that disperse seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions