Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

The Brazil Nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), native to the Amazon rainforest, is a towering tropical giant that thrives in hot, humid climates. In its natural habitat, it grows in well-drained soils, often near rivers and floodplains, and requires specific ecological conditions to produce fruit. Brazil Nut trees can reach impressive heights of up to 50 meters in their native environment, though they may be smaller when cultivated. The tree has a slow growth rate and is best suited for areas with consistently high temperatures and abundant moisture.

Key Points:

• Origin: Amazon Rainforest, South America.
• Climate: Hot, humid conditions; thrives in tropical rainforests.
• Sun Exposure: Full sun is preferred.
• Watering: Requires regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).
• Temperature: Best growth occurs in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
• Humidity: High humidity levels are essential for healthy growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support its nutritional needs.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required; focus on removing dead or damaged branches.
• Growth Rate: Slow; trees may take several decades to reach maturity.

Fruit Profile

The Brazil Nut tree produces large, woody fruit pods that can take up to 14 months to mature. Each pod contains 12–24 seeds, commonly known as Brazil Nuts, encased in a hard shell. These seeds are highly nutritious and prized worldwide for their rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Dive into the facts:

• Taste: Creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
• Appearance: Encased in large, round, woody fruit pods; seeds have a brown, hard shell with a creamy interior.
• Fun Fact: Brazil Nut trees depend on specific rainforest bees for pollination, which makes cultivation outside their native habitat a challenge.