The Jackfruit tree is a perennial tree that grows between 30 to 70 feet tall.

Each tree can live up to 100 years but can produce fruit for only 30 to 60 years. The tree bears its first fruit 3 to 8 years after seed germination. A mature tree can produce around 100+ fruits a year.

The jackfruit is the largest of all tree-borne fruits, with some fruits growing upto 3 feet in length and 2 feet wide, weighing anywhere between 10-50 kgs.

The fruits ripen in various seasons depending on the latitude of the area. They grow best at a latitude of 25 degrees above or below the equator.

Jackfruits are a good source of vitamins A and B which helps improve vision and lessens the risk of cataracts. They are also rich in healthy fats which improves brain development in babies.

Jackfruit is known as the "Poor man's fruit of India" as it is consumed extensively by the economically weak sections. The leaves, fruits and fruit leftovers are used as a valuable alternative to regular food provided to livestocks.

All parts of the tree contain a sticky, white latex that is used as an adhesive.

The wood of the tree is used for construction purposes, and to create furniture, fish sauce barrels and Carnatic musical instruments like the Kanjira, Mridangam and Bobbili and Saraswati Veenas.