Saba Nut, American Chestnut
Pachira glabra

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Pachira glabra is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Alluvial plains and lowland rainforest. Not very common in the wild, it is found mainly in secondary formations in alluvial lowlands and near the base of hillsides, being rare in dense, primary forest.

S. America - southern, central and eastern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Brazil (native), Central Africa, Central America, Congo, Guianas, Mexico, Nigeria, North America, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South America, St Lucia, West Africa.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed - raw or cooked. The seeds can be boiled or roasted like chestnuts. Rich in oil. Similar to groundnuts in flavour. The young leaves are said to be eaten. Also, known as Pachira nut.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Agroforestry Uses: The plant is easily reproduced from cuttings and so is widely used as a hedge in coastal regions of Brazil. It is sometimes grown to provide shade in cocoa plantations. Other Uses: The wood is very light in weight, soft, with loose tissue and of low natural durability. It is sometimes used for making light objects such as boxes, rulers and toys.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

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

Staple Crop: Protein-oil: (16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.

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.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Prefers a deep, fertile loamy soil in full sun or light shade. A fast-growing tree, it can reach a height of 3.5 metres within 2 years from seed. It is very adaptable to different soil types, grows well in full sun or partial shade, and is resistant to both drought and flooding. Trees begin to fruit at about 4-5 years, a mature tree producing from 50-80 fruits per year.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of virtually 100% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 5 - 10 days. The seedlings develop quickly and should be ready to plant out 3 - 4 months later. Cuttings root easily. Layering

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Pachira nut. Amendoim-de-arvore, American chestnut, Cacau-do-maranhao, Cacau-selvagem, Castanha-da-praia, Castanha-do-maranhao, Mamorana, Malabar Chestnut, Saba Nut, Provision Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Guyana Chestnut, Monguba, Munguba, Pumpo, Money Tree.

Synonyms

Bombacopsis glabra (Pasq.) A.Robyns Bombax glabrum (Pasq.) A.Robyns Bombax kimuenzae De Wild. & T.Durand Bombax oleagineum A.Robyns Pochota glabra (Pasq.) Bullock

Saba Nut, American Chestnut Pachira glabra