Pachira Glabra

Description

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Pachira Glabra (French Peanut) is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of up to 60 feet in the wild but in cultivation is typically much smaller and can take the form of a large shrub. As a tree it is often swollen at the base, with smooth, greenish-gray bark and a dense rounded spreading crown. Its natural habitat is along water bodies.

Additionally, leaves are dark green, alternate, compound, with 5 – 9 lance-shaped leaflets, overall 8 – 10 inches in length. And, flowers are borne at branch ends on a long stem; blooms large and showy, the petals and stamens are white and resemble a shaving brush. Furthermore, the fruit is smooth, green capsule, 4 – 8 inches long and splitting open when ripe exposing 10- 25 rounded irregular light brown seeds about 1 inch in diameter. Seeds are edible, having a flavor similar to a peanut, and can be ground to make a hot drink; also young leaves and flowers are edible. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings or airlayers. The bark is used in medicine.

In cultivation, Pachira Glabra (French Peanut) is adaptable to different soils providing they are moist. This tree has attractive foliage, bark and flowers and can be grown in gardens and parks. It is also a popular commercial bonsai plant, its growth limited to a few feet in height. Often the multiple stems are woven into a braid as the plant grows, giving a striking and attractive appearance. Finally, the plant is said to bring luck or money to its owner.