Guiana Chestnut Flower, Malabar Chestnut
The guiana chestnut, also known as the malabar chestnut, is a large
subtropical to tropical tree that has
beautiful, unusual flowers and produces edible nuts. It is hardy to
28 degrees Fahrenheit and needs regular water.
Native to estuaries in Northern South America and Southern Mexico, the guiana
chestnut is salt tolerant. It is currently growing in Southern California
and might even be a good candidate for the lower desert regions of
California and Arizona.
As can be seen in the picture below, the flowers of the guayana chestnut
are spectacular, with large red stamins that appear as if they are
emerging from a banana peal. Overall, this plant makes for a handsome
landscape speciman. It has green bark, and shinny dark green leaves that grow
in hand shaped clusters. Mature guiana chestnut trees can reach up to 60 feet tall.
For more information on the guiana chestnut tree. See these links.
California Rare Fruit Growers
Daves Garden