Maranhao nut, Trinidad pachira
Pachira insignis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 15-30 m high. The leaf has 5-7 leaflets. These are arranged like fingers on a hand. The leaves are large and papery. The flowers are pinkish. The flowers can be 30 cm across. The fruit stalk is thick and 3 cm long. The fruit is a capsule which is oval or pear shaped. It is rusty velvet. It is 18-30 cm long by 12-20 cm wide.

Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Amazon, Antilles, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Greater Antilles, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Indochina, Mexico, North America, Peru, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Winward Is.

How it is used for food

The young leaves and flowers are eaten. The kernels are eaten after roasting.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Boesimomow, Kanihiriballi, Mamorana Grande, Mienqua, Munguba, Munguba-preta, Nuni, Pischkande, Trinidad pachira

Synonyms

Bombax insigne (Sw.) K. Schum.; Bombax spectabile Ulbr.; Bombax spruceanum (Decne) Ducke; Carolinea insignis Sw.; Pachira loddigesii; Pachira spruceana Decne;