For a long time I did not know the proper name Pachira aquatica, money tree, Malabar chestnut, French Peanut, Guiana chestnut for those trees growing in my Thai and Lao garden. I had first seen that fast growing Pachira aquatica tree in Caracas,and called mine at Discovery Garden Pattaya and Nong Khai “Caracas nut”. Only when I showed pictures of Pachira aquatica on my Facebook account a reader in Iran could identify that interesting tree.
The nut of Pachira aquatica can also be eaten in Thailand, Laos or Asia
During the rainy season the Pachira aquatica trees let their woody seed pods fall to the ground with a big bang. They release their edible nuts and start growing very quickly.
The nut of Pachira aquatica can also be eaten in Thailand, Laos or Asia
Leaves of Pachira aquatica can be eaten as well as the flowers and the nuts which have a peanut- or chestnut-like taste, besides this beautiful tree is an asset for every garden in Thailand, Laos or Asia in general.
Pachira aquatica is a beautiful tree for every frost-free garden in Asia
Like cocoa seeds, the nuts of Pachira aquatica should only be planted no deeper than half a centimeter, since the roots grow quickly and lift the content of the nut up. If buried too deep the “neck” of the young money tree plant is broken.
The seeds of Pachira aquatica should be planted on the surface, the roots will then lift the nut up
As soon as the whole Pachira aquatica nut has opened up first leaves a branch or two grow out of that green mass.
It is even interesting to watch the Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica trees are tropical wetland fellows that will thrive in many circumstances, but need a lot of sun. At Discovery Garden Pattaya and Nong Khai we have a few money trees for display and sale.
The name money tree is explained as follows: A poor man once was praying to become rich and then found a Pachira aquatica tree. He took home the nuts, grew seedlings from them and by selling the fast growing seedlings indeed became rich almost over night.
Pachira aquatica trees are good and attractive shade makers