Vutu kana, Cut nut
Barringtonia edulis

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

Barringtonia edulis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Moths, Bats. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Dense and open forests, woodland and grassland, at elevations up to 400 metres. Humid sites.

Southwestern Pacific - Fiji, Vanuatu.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Seed - raw or cooked. A flavour like raw peanuts. The seed kernel inside the hard shell can be 3cm by 1cm in size. Fruit - raw or cooked. Insipid. Fruit of the Barringtonia edulis is a rare fruit. Suitable for snacks for children, a good source of energy.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

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. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

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.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

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

Succeeds in full sun and in partial shade.

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

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Hufa'a, Fiji: vutu; Niue: 'ai; Papua New Guinea: pau; Solomons: fala; Tonga: 'ai; Vanuatu: navels; Wallis & Futuna: vutu kai

Synonyms

Butonica edulis (Seem.) Miers Huttum edule (Seem.) Britten