Tropical walnut, Andean walnut, Ecuador walnut
Juglans neotropica

Family: Juglandaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 26 m tall. The bark is thick and cracked. The leaves have 15-19 leaflets. These are oval and thick. The leaves are almost evergreen. They have a strong smell. It does not need cross pollination for nut production. The nuts are black and thick shelled. They are a flattened round shape and 5 cm long.

There are about 30 Juglans species. All species bear edible nuts.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to the Andes. It does not have a chilling requirement. It can be damaged by frost. It can grow between -3°C and 25°C. In Ecuador it grows between 0-500 m and from 1,700-3,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes (country/location of origin), Colombia, Ecuador, Galapagos, New Zealand, Pacific, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten. They can be used in desserts and pastries.

Seeds or nuts are sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Nuts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The hard seed coat needs to be broken by scratching.

It is fast growing. It can produce nuts within 5-6 years.

Its other names

Local names

Cedro negro, Cedro nogal, Colombian walnut, Nogal, Nogal bogotano, Nogal tunjano, Tocte, Tukti

Synonyms

Juglans andina Triana & Cortes; Juglans columbiensis Dode; Juglans equatoriensis Linden; Juglans granatensis Linden; Juglans honorei Dode;