Uses

When boiled, the seed (nut) is edible. It was an important food crop for the Mayans. The wood is used as timber in construction and furniture. The latex is sometimes mixed with chicle.

Plant Cultivation

Very large, rainforest canopy tree. The tree can be weedy in some tropical areas and while tender, may survive brief frosts. Can be grown outside in parts of Florida and California. Propagation: By seed.

Origin and Distribution

Native to tropical America.

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