Pachira aquatica, Pachira grandiflora, Pachira insignis.

Pachira aquatica Aubl. Malvaceae. Malabar Chestnut.

Tropical America. The mealy seeds of this tree, when roasted, taste like chestnuts. The young leaves and flowers are used as a vegetable. There is nothing better than this chestnut cooked with a little salt.

Pachira grandiflora Tussac.

West Indies. The seeds are eaten as chestnuts are.

Pachira insignis Savign.

Mexico and Guiana. The seeds, young leaves and flowers serve as food.


Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.