Brazilnut

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is a South American tree in the family Lecythidaceae, and also the name of the tree's commercially harvested edible seeds. The Brazil nut tree is the only species in the monotypic genus Bertholletia. It is native to the Guianas, Venezuela, Brazil, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia. It occurs as scattered trees in large forests on the banks of the Amazon River, Rio Negro, Tapajós, and the Orinoco. The genus is named after the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet.

Description

The Brazil nut is a large tree, reaching 50 meters (160 ft) in height and 1 to 2 meters (3.3 to 6.6 ft) in diameter, making it among the largest trees in the Amazon rainforests. The leaves are large, with a length of 20–35 cm and a width of 10–15 cm. It bears flowers with cream-white petals and a large fruit, which is a large capsule 10–15 cm in diameter, resembling a coconut endocarp. This capsule contains 8 to 24 triangular seeds, which are the edible Brazil nuts. The fruit takes 14 months to mature after pollination of the flowers.

Ecology

Brazil nuts are exclusively harvested from wild collections rather than from plantations. This is due to a complex ecological relationship with a specific orchid bee (Euglossa), which is the only insect capable of pollinating the Brazil nut's flowers. The tree also relies on agoutis, small rodents, for the dispersal of its seeds. The agoutis are able to gnaw open the hard fruit and eat some of the nuts inside, but they also bury nuts, which can then germinate into new trees. This ecological relationship highlights the importance of biodiversity for the survival of the Brazil nut tree.

Economic Importance

Brazil nuts are an important source of income for many people in the Amazon region. They are harvested from the wild and can be found in local markets as well as international markets. The nuts are rich in selenium, making them a popular dietary supplement. They are also used in various food products, including chocolate and nut mixes.

Conservation

The conservation of Brazil nut trees is crucial for the sustainability of forest ecosystems in the Amazon. The trees are a key species, supporting a wide range of wildlife. However, deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to their habitat. Sustainable harvesting practices and the protection of large areas of forest are essential for the preservation of Brazil nut trees and their ecological relationships.

Nutritional Value

Brazil nuts are high in calories, fats, and proteins. They are one of the richest dietary sources of selenium, a vital mineral for human health. Eating Brazil nuts can help prevent selenium deficiency and provide antioxidant benefits.