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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.
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