| Malabar Chesnut | |
| Pachira aquatica (P. glabra) | |
| a.k.a. Provision Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Saba Nut, Shaving Brush Tree |
see more pictures of the Malabar Chestnut
Brown pod fruit up to one foot long, containing several large seeds that are eaten as nuts. Raw seeds are supposed to taste a bit like peanuts, cooked seeds like chestnuts.
Description: Medium to large sized, spreading tree to over 60ft tall. Flowers are
very fluffy and showy, having long, foot long petals drooping outwards
from their center. Fruits burst open when ripe to expose the large seeds.
Hardiness: It is a fairly hardy tree, surviving to 28F in some sub-tropical climates
such as Southern California, although it prefers a warmer year round climate.
Growing Environment: It naturally grows near freshwater streams and swamps, so provide ample
water when cultivating. Despite its aquatic tendencies, the Malabar Chestnut
can survive periods of drought. Grow in full sun or part shade, protect
from dry winds and low humidity days.
Propagation: Propagation is usually by seed, or by rooting cuttings.
Uses: Seeds are eaten raw or cooked, usually boiled, roasted, or fried. Leaves and flowers are eaten as vegetables.
Native Range: Native range extends from Mexico, through Central America and into northern South America.
There is confusion between the two related Pachira species, the Malabar Chestnut and the Guiana Chestnut. While the trees are distinctly different in appearance, the scientific names are often used interchangably. For whatever reason, in the Western U.S. and Hawaii, P. aquatica often refers to the smaller fruiting Malabar Chestnut, while in the Eastern U.S. it refers to the larger fruiting Guiana Chestnut.