Biocultural Diversity of the Endemic ‘Wild Jack Tree’ on the Malabar Coast of South India

Abstract

Research AbstractArtocarpus hirsutus Lam. is an endemic tree species of the southern Western Ghats of Peninsular India. It is popularly known as the 'wild jack tree". Several attributes in art, culture and socio-economic civilization among the folk communities in Kerala state (Malabar coast) distinguish the tree in the history of Indian civilization. Most of the traditional uses and indigenous know-how earlier referred to this species are vanishing. This article discusses various aspects of the popular wild jack tree of the Malabar coast and its vanishing indigenous biocultural diversity among the folk communities of the region.

Jack of all trades: genome assembly of Wild Jack and comparative genomics of Artocarpus

“…At the same time, Wild jack ( A. hirsutus ) bears multiple oval/ellipsoidal, fleshy, smaller, orange/yellow sheathed fruits of size 6-10 cm at the apices of branches of higher heights. Such diverse phenotypic characters suggest differentiated pollinator and disperser networks and differential mechanisms (Jarrett, 1977; Matthew et al, 2006; Jagtap and Bapat, 2010; Ragone, 2018; Buddhisuharto et al, 2021).…”

“…Its other parts, like fruits and seeds, are used as a rich source of energy and taste. Leaves, seeds, and bark are used in traditional medicinal treatments (Matthew et al, 2006; Jagtap and Bapat, 2010; Solanki et al, 2020; Buddhisuharto et al, 2021; Meenu et al, 2021). The constituents of this fruit are comparable or superior to the other two species, which demands further research into this plant (Solanki et al, 2020).…”

“…Wild jack is a ubiquitous constituent of these ancient forests providing some conservation for this species (Chandrashekara and Sankar, 1998; Tambat et al, 2005). But recently, these forests have been threatened due to deforestation and developmental projects (Matthew et al, 2006; Osuri et al, 2014). The biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats is home to multiple endemic flora and fauna (Myers et al, 2000), but there is a paucity of genomic data from these species.…”

Cudraflavone C from Artocarpus hirsutus as a Promising Inhibitor of Pathogenic, Multidrug-Resistant S. aureus, Persisters, and Biofilms: A New Insight into a Rational Explanation of Traditional Wisdom

“…15 The wood, an alternative for wood of Strychnos nux-vomica L. for constructing "oil massage cot", is renowned as "ennathoni", a wooden vessel for oil massage in Ayurveda. 16 According to nondocumented knowledge (oral health traditions), dried leaves of A. hirsutus are utilized for joint pain and rigidity and are conducive to treating buboes and hydrocele, while the powder from dehydrated leaves is taken internally to treat abdominal problems. The powder of roasted seeds mixed with honey is used for the treatment of asthma.…”

“…Likewise, the bark has properties to cure ulcers, diarrhea, pimples, etc., and the paste can also be applied for snake bites . The wood, an alternative for wood of Strychnos nux-vomica L. for constructing “oil massage cot”, is renowned as “ennathoni”, a wooden vessel for oil massage in Ayurveda . According to nondocumented knowledge (oral health traditions), dried leaves of A .…”