Kampala Tree and Palm Directory

Tree Species
Common Name
Tree Description
Tree Uses

English: Saba nut, French peanut, Guinea peanut, money tree, lucky tree

+ Tree Species

Pachira glabra

+ Tree Family

Malvaceae

+ Ecology

Saba nut is native to Brazil. Sporadically grown throughout the tropics and subtropics, and used as a house plant in temperate regions. In Kampala, this tree can be found along Lugogo bypass, Jinja road among other places.

+ Description

Saba nut is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 17 meters tall but is usually smaller. The bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter.

BARK: smooth and greenish gray, and often swollen at the base.

LEAVES: alternate leaves are 6-11 inches (15-28 cm) in length and compound, with 5-9 leaflets.

FLOWERS: large and showy flowers are perfect and terminal, with a long peduncle. The petals and numerous stamens are white.

FRUIT: smooth, green capsule, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length, and splits opens naturally on longitudinal sutures when ripe. The seeds are rounded but irregular, with about 10-25 per fruit. They are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with a light brown testa. 

+ Uses

Edible: seeds can be boiled or roasted like chestnuts, young leaves are said to be eaten. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Pachira+glabra

Agroforestry: can be used as a hedge.

The wood can be used for making light objects such as boxes, rulers and toys.

An ornamental tree.

+ Propagation

Seeds, cuttings, layering.

+ Management

+ Remarks

The tree is also grown as an ornamental, valued for its green bark and overall elegance. It is especially suited for planting in narrow streets. The money tree is a surprisingly tough houseplant.



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