The Jack Tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus), known as Pala (පලා) in Sinhala and Palaa (பலா) in Tamil, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important and cherished trees. Revered as the country’s national fruit tree, it has sustained generations by providing nutritious food, durable timber, and valuable income. Often called the “Tree of Plenty,” almost every part of the tree has a practical use, from its sweet, flavourful fruit and nutritious seeds to its strong, long-lasting timber, which has been widely used in traditional homes and furniture. Deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture and daily life, the Palaa tree represents abundance, resilience, and the enduring connection between nature and heritage.