Pachira sessilis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 20-25 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is often bent. It can be 60 cm across. It can have small buttresses. There are a few stout branches. The crown is thin, irregular and narrow.

NB Naming confused. Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in sandy soils near the ocean.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, Colombia,Costa Rica, Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Panama (country/location of origin), Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, seeds - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bombacopsis sessilis (Benth.) Pittier; Bombax sessile (Benth.) Bakh.; Pachira sessilis Benth.; Pachira oleaginea Decne;