Malabar Chestnut

Pachira insignis

Physical Characteristics

Pachira insignis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; Caribbean - West Indies.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Chocolate Drink Oil Seeds - raw or cooked[301 , 377 ]. Eaten raw, they are said to taste a bit like peanuts, whilst the cooked seeds are like chestnuts[377 ]. The seeds can be roasted and used like cocoa[301 , 317 ]. The seeds can also be ground into a powder and used as flour-substitute in bread[362 ]. The seeds contain about 50% oil[317 ]. The large seeds can be up to 8cm in diameter, and are contained in a woody capsule that can be 30cm in diameter and weigh more than 3 kilos[377 , 625 ]. Young leaves[301 ]. Flowers[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known