Saba Nut pod and seeds (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Saba Nut
Pachira glabra
Malvaceae family
The Saba Nut (also known as the Malabar Chestnut) is a fast-growing tree with a beautiful spreading form and is often planted ornamentally. The base of the trunk thickens with age, forming a bottle-shape. The flowers are fragrant and striking, resembling a shaving brush.
The tree produces large football-shaped pods that change colour from green to brown as they mature. If left on the tree too long, pods will split and the seeds inside will drop to the ground. The seeds are edible raw or cooked and have a nutty taste and texture. They can also be sprouted, which gives a surprisingly sweet taste; sprouted seeds are also great in a stir fry. Young leaves and flowers may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
The plant readily self-seeds. It is also used as an ornamental indoor plant, commonly known as 'Money Tree'.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
Pachira glabra
Malvaceae family
The Saba Nut (also known as the Malabar Chestnut) is a fast-growing tree with a beautiful spreading form and is often planted ornamentally. The base of the trunk thickens with age, forming a bottle-shape. The flowers are fragrant and striking, resembling a shaving brush.
The tree produces large football-shaped pods that change colour from green to brown as they mature. If left on the tree too long, pods will split and the seeds inside will drop to the ground. The seeds are edible raw or cooked and have a nutty taste and texture. They can also be sprouted, which gives a surprisingly sweet taste; sprouted seeds are also great in a stir fry. Young leaves and flowers may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
The plant readily self-seeds. It is also used as an ornamental indoor plant, commonly known as 'Money Tree'.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
- Prune after harvest to keep height between 2 - 3m. Maintain an open canopy.
- Spring: liquid seaweed, add compost around drip line.
Saba Nut flower at LCG May 2025 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Young pod forming on the Saba Nut tree at LCG February 2025 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Saba Nut at LCG January 2025 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
