Malabar chestnut

Malabar Chestnut (Pachira aquatica), also known as Money Tree, Guiana Chestnut, or Saba Nut, is a tropical wetland tree of the mallow family Malvaceae, which is native to Central and South America. It is known for its edible nuts and the use of its ornamental foliage in indoor horticulture.

Description

The Malabar Chestnut is a large tree that can grow up to 18 meters in height. It has shiny green palmate leaves with lanceolate leaflets and smooth green bark. Its flowers are large, with long and narrow petals. The fruit is a large, woody pod that contains seeds which are often referred to as nuts.

Distribution and Habitat

The Malabar Chestnut is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where it grows in swamps and wetlands. It has been introduced to various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Cultivation and Uses

The Malabar Chestnut is cultivated for its edible nuts, which are rich in starch and can be eaten raw or cooked. The nuts are also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The tree is also popular in the horticultural industry for its attractive foliage and is often grown as a houseplant.

Conservation Status

The Malabar Chestnut is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many tropical species, it may be affected by habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.

See Also

• List of edible nuts
• Tropical agriculture
• Indoor plants