Malabar Chestnut

Malabar Chestnut #

Pachira aquatica

Pachira aquatica

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: Mexico to northern South America – freshwater swamps, estuaries and river banks
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Florescence: typically the warmer months
  • Fruiting: -
  • Leaf habit: evergreen
  • Name origin: the genus name comes from the native Guyanese name, and the specific epithet means growing in or near water
  • Other names: french peanut, guiana chestnut, malabar chestnut, money plant, money tree, provision tree, saba nut, water chestnut

Description #

With a maximum height of around 18–20 metres, the tropical malabar chestnut is an adaptable tree, able to thrive both indoors and outdoors – although florescence tends to occur in the latter environment. In cultivation, its trunk is sometimes braided for a characteristic aesthetic.

The flowers are among some of the largest seen on trees, with long, cream-coloured petals surrounding yellowish-orange to crimson stamens – upward of 200 stamens in mature specimens. The flowers for one day and are fragrant at night.

The fruits are woody seed pods and contain nuts that taste almost like peanuts. The smooth trunk is bright-green at first, and later becomes brown, featuring small cracks. The glossy, dark to bright green leaves grow in compounds of five to nine leaflets.

Uses & Ecology #

Some believe that the plant brings good luck and prosperity. It has also been found to improve air quality when grown indoors.

The nuts can be eaten boiled, fried, roasted, raw or ground into flour. In the latter form, it can be made into a chocolatey beverage. The young leaves and flowers may also be cooked and eaten.

Makes an excellent bonsai.

Caution: Do not medically use or ingest any plant parts before consulting a qualified health practitioner. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.

References #