Pao Nut
Barringtonia novae hiberniae

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

Barringtonia novae hiberniae is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Moths, Bats. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Dense primary forest on rich alluvial soils; often near the coast but also inland to elevations of 600 metres.

Australasia - New Guinea to the Bismarck Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Seed - raw or roasted. A flavour like raw peanuts. It has a fairly hard texture. The seed is about 3cm long and 1 - 2cm wide.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The bark is used in the treatment of stomach ailments and gonorrhoea. A strong tea made from the bark is claimed to induce abortion and definitive sterility.

Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 2

The wood is light in weight. It is used for canoe paddles, casing, light construction. The wood is used as a quick-burning firewood. Commonly planted as ornamental and shade tree and for the fruit, seeds edible.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

As pao nuts often do well and are most common on low off shore islands and coral waterfront villages, they may be particularly suited to coral and alkaline soils. If trees are planted in suitable sites and well looked after, they can produce fruit in a year or two from seed. The tree can flower and produce seeds all year round. Several different races or types of pao nut have been selected by villagers and these trees seem to produce fruit that is similar to the seed that was planted. Trees grown from cuttings have shorter trunks and form branches closer to the ground.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Stem cuttings.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Barringtonia brosimos Merr. & L.M.Perry Barringtonia excelsa Guill. Barringtonia oblongifolia R.Knuth