The Kwai Muk, with its delectable sub-acid fruits, stands as a highly underrated and cold-tolerant Artocarpus, unfairly overshadowed by close relatives such as the Jackfruit and Breadfruit. The small orange-skinned fruits of the Kwai Muk have a thin, fuzzy skin reminiscent of an Apricot, housing a vibrant red, juicy pulp within. These sub-acid fruits offer a pleasant mix of sweet and sour flavours, akin to a blend of Guava, Strawberry, and Grapefruit. While the fruits are delicious when enjoyed fresh, they can also be preserved or dried where they will retain a good texture and flavour. It’s crucial to consume fully ripe fruit, as unripe ones may exude a sticky, white latex. This ornamental specimen is an excellent choice for landscaping due to its shapely, upright growth habit and glossy green leaves, characteristic of the leathery, sandy foliage found in Artocarpus species. A slow-growing, evergreen exotic, Kwai Muk plants naturally form a well-rounded canopy without the need for pruning, presenting an attractive sight when adorned with ripening orange fruits. Like other members of the Moraceae family, Kwai Muk fruit are technically multiple fruits formed from inflorescences consisting of many clustered flowers that are fertilised and mature together. Kwai Muk are native to Southern China, a subtropical climate which experiences occassional Siberian cold waves that can drop temperatures below 0 degrees. Being native to these conditions, the Kwai Muk is an unusualy cold-hardy Artocarpus, the Kwai Muk thriving in subtropical climates but also tolerating light, occasional frosts once established. These plants prefer abundant year-round rainfall, although they exhibit a moderate drought tolerance. Ideal conditions include rich loam to sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH, and the plants have some tolerance for brief flooding. Cross-pollination will be highly beneficial for fruit set, although plants are partially self-pollinating. A beautiful landscaping addition to any subtropical garden that will not succumb to occassional cold snaps and produces interesting, flavourful fruits.
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