Artocarpus hirsutus Lam
Genus: Artocarpus
Botanical name: Artocarpus hirsutus Lam
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Sanskrit: Lakucha, Likucha, Dahu, Adahu, Iravatam
English: Wild jack, Jungle Jack
Hindi: Vadahar
Malayalam: Anjili, Ayani, Aanjili
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Wild jack grows in altitudes ranging from sea level to an elevation of 1000m in places with an annual rainfall of 1500mm or more. They are endemic to the Western Ghats and are found in its evergreen forests. These trees can reach a height of up to 35m and are canopy trees and can reach about 4.5m in girth.
The tree is prized for its durable timber which is comparable in quality with teak. It is termite and fungus resistant and survives well even in brackish water. The timber was used extensively in the construction of ceilings, door frames and furniture in older buildings, especially in Kerala.The famous snake boats of Kerala are often hewn out of the Aini’s wood.
The Fruit Leaves and Bark of Wild jack is used for diarrhea, pimples and indigestion.