Pachira aquatica

Pachira Aquatica is a tropical wetland tree of the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America where it grows in swamps. It is known by the common names Water Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut, Money Tree, Money Plant, Provision Tree, Saba Nut, and Pumpo and is often commercially sold as a houseplant or bonsai under the name Money Tree or Money Plant.

Description

Pachira Aquatica can grow up to 18 m (59.1 ft) in height in the wild. It has shiny green palmate leaves with lanceolate leaflets and smooth green bark. Its showy flowers have long, narrow petals that open like a banana peel to reveal hairlike yellowish orange stamens. The tree is cultivated for its edible nuts which grow in a very large, woody pod. The nuts are light brown, striped with white. They are said to taste like peanuts, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into flour to make bread. The leaves and flowers are also edible.

Cultivation and uses

Pachira Aquatica is grown as an ornamental tree for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also popular as a houseplant because it can be kept pruned to a manageable size and is very tolerant of low light levels. The plant is often used in Feng Shui as it is believed to bring good luck and is a popular plant for businesses. It is also grown for its edible nuts and is sometimes used in traditional medicine.

Propagation

Pachira Aquatica is usually propagated by seeds which are soaked for 24 hours before sowing. It can also be propagated by cuttings. The plant prefers a sunny position, regular watering, and a minimum temperature of 12 °C (53.6 °F) for growth.

Invasive species

In some regions, Pachira Aquatica is considered an invasive species, as it can quickly colonize areas cleared for planting new crops, particularly in wetlands.

See also

• List of plants of Amazon Rainforest vegetation of Brazil
• List of trees of the Caribbean