Lecythis zabucajo (Monkey Pot)

Lecythis zabucajo brown woody fruit held by a person for close up shot
Lecythis zabucajo woody fruit held in hand showing a hollow interior bowl

Botanical name: Lecythis zabucajo

Common names: Monkey Pot, Sapucaia, Sapukaina, Sapucai Nut, Paradise Nut

Family: Lecythidaceae

Origin: South America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 11-12

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large or medium tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Semi-shadeSun exposure: Semi-shade
Ultra tropical plant. Minimal temperature 55FCold tolerance: Ultra tropical plant. Minimal temperature 55°F.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous

Slow growing tree bearing large fruits up to a foot in diameter, yields the delicious sapucaia nuts. Its bark separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the natives for cigarette wrappers. Very rare and hard to get plant.

Similar plants: Lecythis zabucajo (Monkey Pot)


Lecythis zabucajo green leaves on a stem, close up of the plant structure.
Lecythis zabucajo leaves grow from a slender stem in a balanced formation.
Lecythis zabucajo brown fruit close up, woody textured shell with round shape opening
Lecythis zabucajo brown fruit resting on a surface, showing its woody shell casing.
Lecythis zabucajo black woody fruit close up, resting on a speckled stone surface.
Lecythis zabucajo woody fruit with a hollow center resting on stone tile.
Lecythis zabucajo brown woody fruit shells with textured round openings close up shot
Lecythis zabucajo fruit shells with open interiors sitting on top of paper


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/lecythis_zabucajo.htm
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