Botanical Description
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) also known as the Guiana Chestnut Tree is a medium sized tree with distinct palmate leaves that are arranged in an alternating phyllotaxy. It bears large solitary fragrant flowers that have distinct white stamens that turn pink or purple near its apical end, each one measuring as much as 30 centimeters in length. The flower eventually gives way to an oblong capsule that once mature turns brown and woody, each capsule multiple brown seeds with white stripes seeds 2 to 3 centimeters in length with the amount varying.
Uses:
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The nuts obtained from its fruit are eaten although they are supposedly toxic, they are typically eaten raw, roasted, or fried.
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The nuts can also be ground to be added to flour and mixed with beverages.
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The plant is grown worldwide as an ornamental known as “money plant”, a moniker it shares with the closely related species Pachira glabra.