Hawaii Tree Guide
Breadfruit Tree
Explore the breadfruit tree, or ulu, a canoe plant brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers. Its large lobed leaves, starchy fruit and easy-growing nature made it a useful food plant in island life.
Breadfruit Tree Overview
The breatfruit tree has big green leaves up to 2 feet (61 cm) long. Polynesians on voyaging canoes brought this tree to Hawaii because of its fruit, which can be boiled or roasted. Its starchy pulp is rather tasteless, but provides valued nutrition and an easy to grow food source. The ancient Hawaiians didn't eat much breadfruit (ulu) and used it mainly to feed hogs. But ulu poi (breadfruit mixed with taro) was more popular.
