Pao nuts (Barringtonia procera)

Family: Lecythidaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Barringtonia procera is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Moths, Bats. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed. The seed kernel inside the hard shell inside the fruit is about 30mm by 15 - 20mm wide. Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable. — The seed kernel inside the hard shell inside the fruit is about 30mm by 15 - 20mm wide.; Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Secondary rainforests at low elevations. Usually associated with human activity, in old gardens, mature coconut plantations, and coastal villages, and in remnants of secondary lowland rainforests. (Zone 10)