Cutnut (Barringtonia edulis)

Product description

The Cutnut is an unusual and rare species from Fiji and Vanuatu. The inflorescence can grow up to 1.8 metres long and has distinctive, yellowish to pink hairs. After pollination by moths and bats, light hairy, reddish-purple fruits follow. Each stem can form as many as 40 flowers and thus also 40 fruits. Both the fruits and seeds are edible. The fruits and seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and have a mild flavour. The taste of the seeds resembles peanuts.

In the wild, the tree can grow up to 18 metres tall with oblong leaves growing like a crown at the ends of stems. The species is mostly found along the coast and can produce flowers from 4 years old under good conditions. New leaves turn from orange to green. Traditionally, the bark is used for several medicinal applications and the wood to make canoe paddles, but the species is mainly kept for its fruits.

In temperate climates, the species can be kept as a houseplant in a large pot or tub. This fast grower can be placed in a slightly sunny to sunny spot, where it is important to ensure well-draining soil. The tree naturally likes high humidity. This can also be achieved by spraying the plant regularly with water. Water the soil regularly. 

Sowing description: On receipt of seed, sow immediately in seed and cutting soil and store in a light place at a temperature between 23 and 27 degrC. Keep soil constantly slightly moist.