Artocarpus xanthocarpus
The Philippine breadfruit is widely distributed throughout the world, from the Philippines to Polynesia. However, in Taiwan, this plant is only found on the remote island of Orchid Island, and even there it is not commonly seen, growing only in primary forests.
There is another plant on Orchid Island known as the breadfruit tree. For the Tao people who have lived on Orchid Island for generations, these two plants are easily distinguishable. The breadfruit tree (Artocarpus treculianu) is called “cipoho,” which means “yellow,” describing the color of the wood from this plant. Its uses are extremely versatile: the wood from its branches and trunk can be used to make the main pillars and floorboards of houses; the wood from the buttress roots is light and soft, making it suitable for crafting the bow, stern, side panels and the seats of the traditional fishing boat; in daily life, the wood is also used to make wooden hats and trays; the fruits are edible, with unripe fruits being harvested and cooked, while ripe fruits are eaten directly; additionally, during the Fish-Calling Festival, its leaves are used to pray for a bountiful harvest.
As for the Philippine breadfruit, its applications are not as widespread. Although the wood is occasionally used for the planks of the traditional fishing boats, it is mainly split into wooden boards for houses or cut into pillars. There are almost no records of the fruit being collected for food, and sometimes the milky white sap that oozes from the trunk is chewed and eaten.