Araranut tree
Joannesia princeps

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A fairly large tree. It grows 25 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is grey-brown but not rough. It has a dense crown of leaves. The new leaves are waxy pink and then turn deep green. The leaves are divided like fingers on a hand. The leaves have 5-7 broad leaflets with pointy tips. The leaves turn red before falling off. There are 2 small lumps near the top of the common leaf stalk. The flowers are small and yellowish. The fruit is a large woody nut. It has 4 prominent ridges.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical rainforest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brazil (country/location of origin), India, Indonesia, SE Asia, South America

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The seeds cause severe diarrhoea. They need to be roasted. The fleshy layer around the seeds is bitter but can be eaten. The seeds need to be roasted before eating.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Anda-acu, Anda-assu, Boleiro

Synonyms

Anda brasiliensis Raddi; Anda gomesii A. Juss.; Andicus pentaphyllus Vell.; Joannesia insolita Pittier;