| 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]
