Pachira insignis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pachira insignis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Pachira |
| Species: | P. insignis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pachira insignis | |
Pachira insignis is a tree belonging to the Baobab Subfamily (Bombacoideae) of the Mallow Family (Malvaceae) and native to the tropics of South America and nearby islands (e.g. Trinidad).[1] Its English common names include "wild chestnut" and "wild breadnut".[2] It is best known for its very large flowers; the widest (along with the closely related Pachira aquatica) borne by any tree; up to 70 cm (28 in) diameter. Each of the five yellow petals is up to 35 cm (14 in) in length by up to 5 cm (2.0 in) wide. The stamens are united in the lower third, divided into five subgroups in the middle third and become up to one thousand discrete stamens in the upper third.[3]
Pachira insignis has been introduced in many tropical countries[1][4] and is invasive in the Dominican Republic.[2]
Pachira insignis is used for food and medicine.[1] The seeds, young leaves, and flowers are eaten.[5] It is also grown ornamentally and as a shade tree.[2]
-_fallen_flower_at_ground_in_Kolkata_W_IMG_4121.jpg){kind=small}