Chestnut vine
Dicella nucifera

Family: Malpighiaceae

What it is like

A twining vine. It can be 12 m long. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. It climbs to the crowns of the tallest trees. The leaves are simple and papery. They are hairy underneath. The leaves are 5-10 cm long. The flowers are on branched stalks in the axils of leaves. The flowers are red but turn yellow. The fruit is oval and has hairs on the surface. They are 2.5 cm long. These come off easily. There are 2-4 sweet seeds or nuts inside.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the high altitude forests of southern Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten fresh or roasted.

The nuts are enjoyed

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Amendoim-do-mato, Castanha-de-cipo, Mani del mono, Mani del monte

Synonyms

Dicella bracteosa var. minutiflora Chodat; Dicella tricarpa Nied.;