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Tropical Plant "Malabar chestnut"
Pachira Aquatica.
Chestnut Common Names
Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Guyana Chestnut, Provision
tree, Saba Nut
Chestnut Distant
affinity
Baobob, (Adansonia digitata), Durian (Durio zibethinus),
Almirajo (Patinoa almirajo), Chupa-chupa, South American
Sapote (Quararibea cordata).
Chestnut Origin
The Malabar chestnut is native to an area from southern Mexico
to Guyana and northern Brazil.
Chestnut 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.
Chestnut 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.
Chestnut Description
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.
Chestnut 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.
Chestnut Soils
Malabar chestnuts are not overly fussy about soil as long
as it is well drained.
Chestnut 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.
Chestnut Fertilization
Malabar
chestnuts need only a light monthly fertilizing with a balanced,
all-purpose fertilizer during the warm months.
Chestnut Pruning
and Propagation
The Malabar chestnut seldom needs pruning. The tree may be
propagated by seed and cuttings, and probably by air-layering.
Chestnut 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.
Chestnut 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.
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