Pachira aquatica

Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica)
Scientific name	Pachira aquatica [1]
Common names	Guiana chestnut; Malabar chestnut; money tree [2]
Genus	Pachira
Family	Malvaceae [1]
Order	Malvales
Growth form	Tropical wetland tree
Native range	Southern Mexico to Bolivia and northern Brazil [2]
Native habitat	Freshwater swamps, estuaries, riverbanks, and tropical rainforest [2]
Mature size	Up to 60 ft (18 m) in native conditions; cultivated trees up to 30 ft (9 m) are reported [2]
Climate and site	Warm, frost-free conditions; partial shade; moist but well-drained loam or sand; USDA zones 10a–12b [2]
Propagation	Seed or cuttings [3]
Fruit	Woody brown capsule opening at maturity and containing 10–25 seeds [2]
Harvest	Summer fruit display or harvest; indoor houseplants are unlikely to fruit [2]

Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree known as Guiana chestnut, Malabar chestnut, and money tree. It is native from southern Mexico through Bolivia and northern Brazil, where it grows in wet habitats including swamps, estuaries, riverbanks, and rainforest. ^[2]

Description

The tree can reach up to 60 ft (18 m) in native conditions, while cultivated trees are reported to about 30 ft (9 m). Houseplants are commonly kept at 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m). The leaves have 5–9 leaflets. Large, fragrant flowers open at night and last for one day. ^[2]

Braided commercial money-tree plants should not automatically be identified as P. aquatica: cultivated plants sold under that form may be Pachira glabra. ^[3]

Cultivation

Soil and water

Pachira aquatica is associated with freshwater swamps, estuaries, riverbanks, and tropical rainforest. In cultivation, NC State lists loam or sand kept moist but well-drained. ^[2]

Sun and humidity

Partial shade is suitable for cultivation. ^[2]

Seasonal changes

The species is grown in warm, frost-free climates and is listed for USDA zones 10a–12b. ^[2] Large fragrant flowers open for a single night, and the woody fruit develops afterward; NC State records summer fruit display or harvest. ^[2]

Propagation

Propagation from seed or cuttings is reported. ^[3]

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

The flowers are large, fragrant, and nocturnally opening, with each bloom lasting one day. The fruit is a woody brown capsule that opens when ripe and contains 10–25 seeds. ^[2] Summer fruit display or harvest is recorded for outdoor plants, whereas houseplants are unlikely to fruit. ^[2]

Fruit and uses

The fruit is a woody capsule rather than a soft-fleshed fruit, and its mature contents are multiple seeds. Seed use requires caution: available horticultural information is conflicting about toxicity, including discussion of cyclopropenoid fatty acids and possible carcinogenicity, and further research is advised before ingestion. ^[2] Animal-toxicity concerns and conflicting safety discussion also appear in the broader species account, so the seeds are not presented here as an unrestricted edible crop. ^[3]

References

• ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Pachira aquatica.

• ↑ [2] Pachira aquatica — North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.

• ↑ [3] Pachira aquatica — Wikipedia.