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Pachira aquatica
Name - Pronounced Pack-EEra. Sometimes called malabar chestnut.Description
- An imposing architectural plant with large seven-fingered leaves. It is sometimes
offered as a large-size or "specimen" plant with multiple plaited stems.Origin
- Mexico to Costa RicaFamily - BombacaceaeCare Tips
- Give plenty of light including some direct sunlight, but not scorching midday
sun. The species name refers to its native aquatic or wetland habitat, but despite
its origins it is surprisingly tolerant of the occasional drying out, as long
as it is not in direct sun at the same time. For the best growth, water freely
in the active summer period then reduce watering in winter. Left alone it would
eventually make a small tree, but it is very tolerant of pruning, so there is
no difficulty in keeping it compact. Although vigorous, even large plants can
be accommodated in a 30 cm pot.Trivia - In the wild, red flowers,
up to 35 cm in size, rise like feathers over the leaves. Its flowers produce edible,
chestnut-flavoured, multi-seeded fruit. Unfortunately the flowers do not appear
on the houseplant, but it is still a decorative little indoor tree.
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