Pachira insignis
Pachira insignis | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malvales |
Family: | Malvaceae |
Genus: | Pachira |
Species: | P. insignis |
Binomial name | |
Pachira insignis |
Pachira insignis is a tree belonging to the Baobab Subfamily (Bombacoideae) of the Mallow Family (Malvaceae) and native to the tropics of South America and nearby islands (e.g. Trinidad).[1] Its English common names include "wild chestnut" and "wild breadnut".[2]It is best known for its very large flowers; the widest (along with the closely related Pachira aquatica) borne by any tree; up to 70 cm (28 in) diameter. Each of the five yellow petals is up to 35 cm (14 in) in length by up to 5 cm (2.0 in) wide. The stamens are united in the lower third, divided into five subgroups in the middle third and become up to one thousand discrete stamens in the upper third.[3]
Pachira insignis has been introduced in many tropical countries[1][4] and is invasive in the Dominican Republic.[2]
Pachira insignis is used for food and medicine.[1] The seeds, young leaves, and flowers are eaten.[5] It is also grown ornamentally and as a shade tree.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Pachira insignis (Sw.) Savigny". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ a b c "Pachira insignis (wild chestnut)". CABI Digital Library. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Fayaz, Ahmed (2011). Encyclopedia of Tropical Plants. Auckland, N.Z.: David Bateman Ltd. p. 517.
- ^ "Pachira insignis (SW.) Sav. [family BOMBACACEAE]". JSTOR Global Plants. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Wickens, G.E. (1995). Edible Nuts. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. p. 110. ISBN 92-5-103748-5. Retrieved 6 June 2024.