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Pachira insignis

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, near Kandy, Sri Lanka.

 

Pachira is a genus of tropical trees distributed in Central and South America. They are classified in the subfamily Bombacoideae of the family Malvaceae. Previously the genus was assigned to Bombacaceae. Prior to that the genus was found in the (now obsolete) Sterculiaceae.

 

Pachira insignis is a tree native to the tropics of South America and nearby islands (e.g. Trinidad). Its English common names include wild chestnut and wild breadnut.

 

Pachira insignis has been introduced in many tropical countries and is invasive in the Dominican Republic.

 

Pachira insignis is used for food and medicine. The seeds, young leaves, and flowers are eaten. It is also grown ornamentally and as a shade tree.

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Uploaded on February 14, 2017
Taken on January 15, 2017