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BOMBAX AQUATICUM - MALABAR CHESTNUT.
SynonymGrandiflora pachira, carolinea princeps, aquatica pachira, nitida pachyra. Common name Provision tree, Saba nut, Guiana chestnut, Malabar chestnut, castaño de Guayana, castanhola, chestnut of the Maranhao, pareira decuba, munguba. Family Bombacaceae (bombax family). Overview A tree from tropical America indigenous to Surinam, growing along side rivers and creeks in standing water. According to the above, this fruit is called in Suriname water cacao. Saba nut can grow up to 60 feet tall. The leathery leaves are shiny and 8" long, the bark is greenish. The young leaves and large white flowers, emerging from long buds, are sometimes used as a vegetable. The, 6-12 inch long fruit is an ovoid woody pod which burst open upon ripeness; it has rounded seeds that closely resembles those of cacao. These fatty seeds can be eaten raw or roasted; they have a peanut taste. Other bombax species are: ceiba pentandra, bombax flaviflorum and durio zibethinus. Hardiness USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation Seeds and cuttings. Due to recalcitrant nature of the seeds, they have a short viable life, can not be dried well and can not withstand low temperatures. Culture Plant in partly flooded areas (along side creek, pool or river). Full sun / partial shade, has some tolerance for cold; can withstand temperatures as low as 28° F. for a short time. However, protect from frost. Can be kept indoors as a container plant for it's foliage. Recalcitrant seeds are not refundable since they are prone to fungus and often difficult to germinate. |