Family: Moraceae

Artocarpus sericicarpus (pedalai) is a tropical fruit tree native to Borneo, the Philippines, and surrounding regions. Closely related to breadfruit and jackfruit, it produces striking orange, spiky fruits with a soft, sweet pulp that’s edible and often enjoyed fresh. The tree itself is attractive, with large, deeply lobed leaves that lend a lush, tropical look to gardens. Pedalai thrives in warm, humid climates and grows best in fertile, well-drained soils, making it an interesting choice for home gardeners interested in rare or exotic fruit trees.

In Hawaiʻi, pedalai is cultivated on a small scale but is not known to be naturalized or invasive. While it has several appealing qualities, including edible fruit and ornamental value, it’s important to continue monitoring its behavior in local environments. At present, pedalai is considered a low-risk species suitable for planting with care.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• History of introduction outside native range
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (commercially sold)
  
• Self-compatible (can self-pollinate)
  
• Animal-dispersed (by bats and potentially birds)
  
• Seeds can survive gut passage
  
• Moderate to fast growth rate
  
• Early reproductive maturity (3–4 years)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized
  
• No invasive history
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic
  
• Does not form thickets
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• No persistent seed bank (seeds are recalcitrant)
  
• Not shade-tolerant as an adult
  
• Limited soil tolerance (prefers rich, alluvial soils)
  
• Sensitive to cold, drought, and salt