Ever seen a jackfruit in Bermuda?

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17: A rare jackfruit tree has grown fruit in Bermuda.

The tree – grown from a seed sent from Brazil – was planted by keen gardener Sally Godet in the grounds of her Paget home.

Now – after ten years – the tree has produced fruit.

Mrs Godet said: “I don’t know that there’s another one here. As far as I am aware, it’s the only jackfruit tree in Bermuda. It does grow in Jamaica, but it’s not really hot enough here for them to grow easily. I think because we had a warm winter it flowered more easily.”

Planted 10 years ago

Mrs Godet planted the jackfruit seed around ten years ago.

She said: “My niece is from Brazil and I was talking to her about fruit trees – her mother very kindly sent me some seeds and I planted them.

“I’m a very keen gardener – I have a lot of unusual trees. I’ve got a very large garden, so I’m able to plant a lot of things and see what happens.”

The jackfruit – a member of the mulberry family – is native to south and south-east Asia and has since spread to South America and the Caribbean.

Its fruit is largest tree-borne fruit. Fruit can reach up to 80 pounds (36kg) in weight and grow to a length of 36 inches (90cm).

Mrs Godet said: “I don’t know of any other jackfruit trees on the island – I’m pleased that it appears to be doing well here.”