Also known as:
  • Saba Nut
  • Malabar Chestnut
  • Guyana Chestnut

Three year old tree cracks its pot with an oversized buttress Six year old tree bearing tasty nuts all year round
 

This evergreen tree grows up to around fifteen feet. It has big buttress and short stubby roots which hold great amounts of water. It survives well in a pot, with only occasional watering. The flowers are highly scented, blooming for almost eight months of the year.

The nut has a hard shell and splits open when rippened, releasing around fifteen fingernail size seeds. If the seeds are soaked overnight in water, they will split and begin to germinate like a bean with two compressed leaves. These germinating seedlings can be eaten raw or lightly cooked/fried in combination with other dishes.  They are among the best nuts in terms of flavour and taste. The nuts can be sun-dried and can then be stored for long periods.

Grafted trees will bear fruits within two years and seedlings in around five years. The tree is widely grown in Asia as a gift or as a Bonsai plant. In some African countries, the tree is grown commercially for its nuts and is ground to a flour substance. It is a good substitute for people who are intolerant to wheat flour products.

The centre photo is a three year old tree with an oversized buttress in its pot. The photo on the far right is a six year old tree providing nuts all year round.

Enthusiats wanting to purchase this tree, or want to view a fruiting tree or gain further information on exotic trees can contact me on email. Try my healthy recipe using this fruit.