Difference between revisions of "Pachira aquatica"

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{{Taxobox
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{{SPlantbox
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| color = lightgreen
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|familia=Bombacaceae
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| name = ''Pachira aquatica''
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|genus=Pachira
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| image = Pachira aquatica2.jpg
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|species=aquatica
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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|common_name=Money Tree, Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Provision tree, Saba Nut
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| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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|habit=tree
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| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
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|Min ht metric=cm
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| ordo = [[Malvales]]
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|Max ht box=60
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| familia = [[Bombacaceae]]
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|Max ht metric=ft
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| genus = ''Pachira''
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|origin=S Mexico to Brazil
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| species = '''''P. aquatica'''''
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|lifespan=perennial
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| binomial = ''Pachira aquatica''
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|exposure=sun, part-sun, shade
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| binomial_authority = [[Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet|Aublet]]
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|water=wet, moist, moderate, dry
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|features=evergreen, edible, fruit
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|Temp Metric=°F
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|min_zone=9
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|max_zone=11
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|image=Pachira aquatica2.jpg
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|image_width=200
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|image_caption=Typical woven trunked specimen sold as house plant
 
}}
 
}}
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Growth Habit: The Malabar chestnut is a very showy evergreen tree with greenish bark that can grow to 60 ft. in the tropics. In California the growth is more like 10 to 15 ft. tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet.
  
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'''''Pachira aquatica''''' (synonyms: ''Pachira macrocarpa'', ''Bombax macrocarpum'', ''Carolinea macrocarpa'', ''Bombax glabrum'') is a tropical wetland tree which is known by the common names '''[[Malabar]] [[chestnut]]''', '''[[Guiana]] chestnut''', '''provision tree''', and '''saba nut'''. It is native to [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], where it grows in swamps.
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Foliage: The shiny, bright green, alternate palmately compound leaves of the Malabar chestnut grow to about 12 inches long and are quickly shed. They are larger and showier than Chorisia speciosa, the popular floss-silk tree. Young leaves and flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable.
  
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==Characteristics==
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Flowers: The petals of the very large creamy white flowers of the Malabar chestnut curl back to the base of the flower, leaving only the spectacular clusters of 3 to 4 inch cream-white stamens.
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''Pachira aquatica'' can grow up to 18 [[meter]]s in height in the wild. It has shiny green [[palmate]] leaves and smooth green [[bark]]. Its showy flowers have long, narrow [[petal]]s that open like a banana peel to reveal hairlike yellowish orange [[stamen]]s. The tree is cultivated for its edible [[nut]]s which grow in a very large, woody pod. The nuts are light brown, striped with white. They are said to taste like [[peanut]]s, and can be eaten raw or cooked or ground into a flour to make bread. The leaves and flowers are also edible.
 
  
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The tree grows well as a tropical [[ornamental plant|ornamental]] in moist, frost-free areas, and can be started from seed or cutting.
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Fruit: The five-valved fruit of Malabar chestnut is an ovoid, woody green pod which may reach 4 to 12 inches in length and 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, bearing some resemblance to kapok or silk floss seed pods. The tightly packed seeds (nuts) inside enlarge until the pod bursts and the seed fall to the ground. The rounded seeds are without floss and 1/2 inch or larger in diameter. They are edible raw or roasted.  
  
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==Role in East Asian culture==
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Adaption: Tropical estuaries are the native habitat of the Malabar chestnut, so it is perhaps best suited to Hawaii and southern Florida. Even so, the plant also grows well in the milder parts of southern California. Several handsome specimens are thriving in the Quail Gardens collection near Encinitas, Calif., which has more cold and wind than many home gardens. The plant will tolerate brief exposure to temperatures as low as 28° F, but may drop some or most of its leaves. Malabar chestnuts make attractive potted plants and add an attractive tropical note to patios and sun rooms.  
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In [[East Asia]], ''Pachira aquatica'' ({{zh-cpl|c=馬拉巴栗|p=''Mǎlābā lì''|l=Malabar chestnut}}) is often referred to as the "'''money tree'''" (發財樹 ''fācái shù'').  The tree had long been popular as an [[ornamental plant|ornamental]] in [[Japan]].  In 1986, a [[Taiwan]]ese [[truck driver]] first cultivated five small trees in a single [[flowerpot]] with their [[trunk (botany)|trunk]]s [[braid]]ed.  The popularity of these ornamentals took off in Japan and later much of the rest of East Asia. They are [[symbolism|symbolically]] associated with good financial fortune and are typically seen in [[business]]es, sometimes with red ribbons or other auspicious ornamentation attached. The trees play an important role in Taiwan's agricultural export economy with exports of [[New Taiwan dollar|NT$]]250 million ([[United States dollar|US$]]7 million) in 2005. <ref><small>[http://english.www.gov.tw/TaiwanHeadlines/index.jsp?recordid=92685 "Fancy take on money trees puts Taiwan on the map."] ''Taiwan Headlines'' reprint from ''[[Liberty Times]]''. [[23 March]] 2006.  Accessed [[10 February]] 2007.</small></ref>
 
  
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==Notes==
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Common names include: Money Tree, Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Guyana Chestnut, Provision tree, Saba Nut, Money Plant
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<references />
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:''More information about this species can be found on the [[Pachira|genus page]].''
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{{Inc|
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Pachira aquatica, Aubl. (P. grandiflora, Tussac). A small tree: lvs. 5-7 (9) -foliolate; lfts. subsessile, obovate to elliptic-lanceolate, glabrous, 4-12 in. long: fls. 8 1/2-14 in. long; calyx tubulose-truncate, often warty at the base; petals laciniate, more or less deeply pinkish or purplish; staminal tube long, the red or scarlet filaments about as long as the petals: caps. 7-15 in. long, 3-5 in. diam. Trop. Amer., including W. Indies.—P. aquatica varies considerably according to the nature of the soil in which it grows and to its environment, and it is not unlikely that most so-called species described in horticultural reviews should be considered as simple varieties of the same. This species is the best known in the genus and its area of distribution is very extensive; its cult, in hothouses has been often attempted.
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}}
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==Cultivation==
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Location: A frost-free location with some protection from hot, drying winds is the best choice for the plant. It will take full sun to partial shade. Overall, the tree is a handsome landscape addition.
 +
 
 +
Soils: Malabar chestnuts are not overly fussy about soil as long as it is well drained.
 +
 
 +
Irrigation: The Malabar chestnut needs consistent and regular watering, although logic would suggest that in California the plant should be kept on the dry side during the cold winter months.
 +
 
 +
Fertilization: Malabar chestnuts need only a light monthly fertilizing with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the warm months.
 +
 
 +
Pruning: The Malabar chestnut seldom needs pruning.
 +
 
 +
Harvest: The nuts of the Malabar chestnut are harvested when the seed pods burst. The raw nuts taste like peanuts and will keep for months in a cool, dry place. Roasted or fried in oil they have the flavor of chestnuts, and can be ground into a flour for bread baking.
 +
 
 +
===Propagation===
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The tree may be propagated by seed and cuttings, and probably by air-layering.
 +
 
 +
===Pests and diseases===
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The Malabar chestnut appears to be largely free of pests and diseases in California. Container specimens should be watched for usual house plant pests such as mealybugs.
 +
 
 +
==Cultivars==
 +
 
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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File:Pachira aquatica (fruit).jpg|Fruit
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Image:Pachira aquatica.jpg
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Image:Pachira aquatica1.jpg
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Image:Pachira aquatica -sprout.01.jpg|sprouts of the Pachira aquatica
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</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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* [http://english.www.gov.tw//TaiwanHeadlines/index.jsp?categid=11&recordid=91217 "Class effort gives Taiwan world leadership in 'money tree' exports."] ''Taiwan Headlines'' reprint from ''[[United Daily News]]''. [[9 February]] 2006.  Accessed [[10 February]] 2007.
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*[http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/malabar.html California Rare Fruit Growers: Malabar Chestnut fruit facts]
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* [http://english.www.gov.tw/TaiwanHeadlines/index.jsp?recordid=92685 "Fancy take on money trees puts Taiwan on the map."] ''Taiwan Headlines'' reprint from ''[[Liberty Times]]''. [[23 March]] 2006.  Accessed [[10 February]] 2007.
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<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
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* [http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/malabar.html "Malabar Chestnut"] at California Rare Fruit Growers Fruit Facts
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<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
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* [http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/pach_aqu.cfm "''Pachira aquatica''"] at FloriData
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<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
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* Van Wyk, Ben-Erik (2005). ''Food Plants of the World''. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, Inc. ISBN 0-88192-743-0
 
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==See also==
 
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*[[Jade plant]], also referred to as "money tree"
 
  
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==External links==
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*{{wplink}}
  
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[[Category:Bombacaceae]]
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__NOTOC__
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[[Category:Edible nuts and seeds]]
 
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[[Category:Trees of Central America]]
 
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[[Category:Trees of South America]]
 

Latest revision as of 22:02, 11 December 2009


Typical woven trunked specimen sold as house plant


Plant Characteristics
Habit   tree

Height: ⇕ 60 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 60.
Lifespan: ⌛ perennial
Origin: ✈ S Mexico to Brazil
Cultivation
Exposure: ☼ sun, part-sun, shade
Water: ◍ wet, moist, moderate, dry
Features: ✓ evergreen, edible, fruit
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Scientific Names

Bombacaceae >

Pachira >

aquatica >


Growth Habit: The Malabar chestnut is a very showy evergreen tree with greenish bark that can grow to 60 ft. in the tropics. In California the growth is more like 10 to 15 ft. tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet.

Foliage: The shiny, bright green, alternate palmately compound leaves of the Malabar chestnut grow to about 12 inches long and are quickly shed. They are larger and showier than Chorisia speciosa, the popular floss-silk tree. Young leaves and flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable.

Flowers: The petals of the very large creamy white flowers of the Malabar chestnut curl back to the base of the flower, leaving only the spectacular clusters of 3 to 4 inch cream-white stamens.

Fruit: The five-valved fruit of Malabar chestnut is an ovoid, woody green pod which may reach 4 to 12 inches in length and 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, bearing some resemblance to kapok or silk floss seed pods. The tightly packed seeds (nuts) inside enlarge until the pod bursts and the seed fall to the ground. The rounded seeds are without floss and 1/2 inch or larger in diameter. They are edible raw or roasted.

Adaption: Tropical estuaries are the native habitat of the Malabar chestnut, so it is perhaps best suited to Hawaii and southern Florida. Even so, the plant also grows well in the milder parts of southern California. Several handsome specimens are thriving in the Quail Gardens collection near Encinitas, Calif., which has more cold and wind than many home gardens. The plant will tolerate brief exposure to temperatures as low as 28° F, but may drop some or most of its leaves. Malabar chestnuts make attractive potted plants and add an attractive tropical note to patios and sun rooms.

Common names include: Money Tree, Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Guyana Chestnut, Provision tree, Saba Nut, Money Plant

More information about this species can be found on the genus page.


Read about Pachira aquatica in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Pachira aquatica, Aubl. (P. grandiflora, Tussac). A small tree: lvs. 5-7 (9) -foliolate; lfts. subsessile, obovate to elliptic-lanceolate, glabrous, 4-12 in. long: fls. 8 1/2-14 in. long; calyx tubulose-truncate, often warty at the base; petals laciniate, more or less deeply pinkish or purplish; staminal tube long, the red or scarlet filaments about as long as the petals: caps. 7-15 in. long, 3-5 in. diam. Trop. Amer., including W. Indies.—P. aquatica varies considerably according to the nature of the soil in which it grows and to its environment, and it is not unlikely that most so-called species described in horticultural reviews should be considered as simple varieties of the same. This species is the best known in the genus and its area of distribution is very extensive; its cult, in hothouses has been often attempted.


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Cultivation

Location: A frost-free location with some protection from hot, drying winds is the best choice for the plant. It will take full sun to partial shade. Overall, the tree is a handsome landscape addition.

Soils: Malabar chestnuts are not overly fussy about soil as long as it is well drained.

Irrigation: The Malabar chestnut needs consistent and regular watering, although logic would suggest that in California the plant should be kept on the dry side during the cold winter months.

Fertilization: Malabar chestnuts need only a light monthly fertilizing with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the warm months.

Pruning: The Malabar chestnut seldom needs pruning.

Harvest: The nuts of the Malabar chestnut are harvested when the seed pods burst. The raw nuts taste like peanuts and will keep for months in a cool, dry place. Roasted or fried in oil they have the flavor of chestnuts, and can be ground into a flour for bread baking.

Propagation

The tree may be propagated by seed and cuttings, and probably by air-layering.

Pests and diseases

The Malabar chestnut appears to be largely free of pests and diseases in California. Container specimens should be watched for usual house plant pests such as mealybugs.

Cultivars

Gallery

  • Fruit

  • Pachira aquatica.jpg
  • Pachira aquatica1.jpg

  • sprouts of the Pachira aquatica

References

External links


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