Tahiti Chestnut, Polynesian Chestnut

Inocarpus fagifer

Physical Characteristics

Inocarpus fagifer is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bats. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Malaysia to Australia and the southwest Pacific.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[301 ]. Boiled before they are quite ripe, they resemble chestnuts in flavour and are very nutritious[63 , 301 ]. They can be boiled or baked[301 ]. The grated seeds are used for making flat cakes, breads and puddings[301 ]. Although quite palatable, the seeds are reputed to be somewhat indigestible even when cooked[301 ]. The kernels (seeds) are large, each weighing 5 - 50 g, and measuring 20 - 70mm in length by 16 - 40mm in width[312 ]. The kernel is edible when cooked but is highly perishable and has a short shelf life. It rapidly changes colour from white to reddish brown after being extracted from the shell[312 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Mouthwash Skin Stomachic The tahiti chestnut is often used in traditional medicine, where it has a range of applications[311 ]. The bark is used to treat sickness relapses[311 ]. An infusion of the bark is used to treat burns; diarrhoea and teething problems in infants[311 ]. A decoction of the bark is used in treating scabies[311 ]. Extracts from heated bark scrapings are used in a treatment for pneumonia[311 ]. The dried inner bark mixed with coconut oil is applied to bone fractures[311 ]. The root is used to treat stomach-ache[311 ]. Liquid from the stems is used to treat pain in the bones[311 ]. Weakness after childbirth and fish poisoning are treated with the fluid from the leaves[311 ]. The plant is also said to stop internal bleeding[311 ].

Known Hazards

None known