Sawarri nut
Caryocar amygdaliferum
Family: Caryocaraceae
What it is like
A tall tree. It grows 55 m tall. The trunk has buttresses 3 m high. The bark is reddish. The leaves have 3 leaflets. There are teeth along the edge. The end leaflet is 8-12 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. Side leaflets are slightly smaller. The flowers are in clustered groups. They are greenish yellow. The fruit is oval and 6 cm long.
The Caryocaraceae occur in tropical America. There are 16 Caryocar species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in forests along river valleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, South America
How it is used for food
The nut is eaten raw or roasted.
Edible parts
Kernel, seeds, nuts, fruit.
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Achiotillo, Aji, Ajicillo, Almendron, Caryocar, Chalmagra, Suari nut