Pachira
Botanical name: Pachira
Pachira
Botanical name: Pachira
Description
Pachira are small- to medium-sized evergreen tropical trees in the mallow family. Several species within the genus have traditional uses, being harvested for timber, rope-making material, or stuffing material. Few, however, are widely cultivated or of significant commercial importance. One notable exception is the Money Tree (P. aquatica) a tremendously popular, low-maintenance ornamental houseplant.
Species of Pachira
Money tree
Colloquially known as the money tree, this is a tropical species that's commonly cultivated in moist, warm climates. The name comes from an old tall tale, but it has led to the money tree being considered a talisman of good fortune. Bonsai versions are often trained during growth to develop braided trunks, which gives them a striking decorative appearance. Modern research suggests the nuts are potentially carcinogenic and should not be consumed.
Guinea peanut
Guinea peanut (Pachira glabra) can regularly be found in stores sold in small pots as braided Bonsai plants. Their showy trunk will stay hued with green throughout maturity. The wood is sometimes used for objects of light use, such as toys and boxes. It's often mistaken with the Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica), which doesn't develop a mature bulbous base like the guinea peanut.
Scientific Classification
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