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Description
Bertholletia Excelsa, commonly known as the Brazil Nut Tree, is a large tropical tree that belongs to the Lecythidaceae family. It is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America and can grow up to 50 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. This tree is famous for its edible seeds, the Brazil nuts, which are widely consumed around the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Bertholletia |
Appearance
The Brazil Nut Tree has a straight, tall trunk that is covered in smooth, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are large, oblong, and glossy green, measuring up to 45 centimeters long and 25 centimeters wide. The tree produces large, white or pinkish flowers that grow in clusters on the branches. The fruit of the tree is a spherical, woody capsule that can measure up to 15 centimeters in diameter and contains up to 24 seeds, which are the Brazil nuts.
Care Guide
The Brazil Nut Tree requires a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic soils. It is also important to water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilizers can be applied in the early spring and late summer to promote growth. This tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Brazil Nut Tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to attacks from bark beetles, leaf-cutter ants, and weevils. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, bark, and fruits of the tree. Diseases that can affect this tree include leaf spot, canker, and root rot. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent pest and disease problems.
Habitat
The Brazil Nut Tree is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, where it grows in the understory of the forest. It can also be found in other tropical regions of South America, such as Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. This tree prefers humid and warm climates and can grow in altitudes of up to 500 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a Brazil Nut Tree to produce nuts?
A: It takes approximately 10-15 years for a Brazil Nut Tree to produce nuts.
Q: How are Brazil nuts harvested?
A: The Brazil nuts are harvested by cutting down the tree or by collecting the nuts that fall to the ground.
Q: Can Brazil Nut Trees be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Brazil Nut Trees can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Q: What is the nutritional value of Brazil nuts?
A: Brazil nuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain high levels of selenium, which is important for thyroid health and immune function.
Related Plants
– Lecythis pisonis (Monkey Pot)- Couroupita guianensis (Cannonball Tree)- Bertholletia nobilis (Pará Nut)
References
– “Bertholletia excelsa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=273289&isprofile=0.- “Brazil Nut.” National Geographic. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/02/brazil-nut-tree-sustains-amazon-rain-forest/.- “Bertholletia excelsa.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 20, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:307969-2.
