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Vaidya Parul Joshi

Its other names in English are Malabar Chestnut, French Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Provision Tree, Saba Nut.

Monguba in Brazil

The word pachira aquatica, derived from the Guiana dialect, means water.

In Guatemala it is called pumpo.

Gelingoche in Costa Rica

It is sold under the name Money Tree, Money Plant.

Its legend is that a man suffering from poverty prayed to God and the next day he saw this plant near his house, considered it a blessing from God, grew plants from its seeds, sold them and was able to collect money. He named this beautiful looking plant which removed his poverty as Money Plant.

This tree is native to tropical climates in Pochia-type soils ranging from Mexico to the central and southern tropics of America. In moist soil it grows up to 18 meters high. It is comfortable with a temperature of 18° to 30°C. Keep it away from direct cold wind. It cannot tolerate extreme changes in temperature and leaves rot. Pachira aquatica tree grows up to 23 meters tall and 70 centimeters in diameter. Its shining hand-like leaves are distinguished by its nine-proportioned, leafy green bark up to 30 centimeters long. The peel turns gray as it ages and cracks. Water is stored in its central thick root. Smaller roots are attached to the central root.

It is a species that can be grown at home for display at low cost. In the species grown for home, if the branches are stunted, then 3-5 branches are plucked alternately. This species grows 1 – 2 meters high. Its braided trunk and dark green open claw-like leaves give it an attractive appearance. According to Chinese Feng Shui, it brings luck, wealth and positive power. They maintain the purity of the air by sucking the volatile odors present in the indoor air. Its five leaf jhumkhas are considered to be symbols of the five basic elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Growers to sell it:

When plants are kept indoors, it is necessary to take some special care to maintain their health – they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Direct light will burn their leaves. When there is snow in a cloudy climate or in the cold, too little light will make its branches long and the leaves coming at long intervals will not give the desired appearance. The leaves will turn yellow and fall off; when the environment becomes favorable again, new leaves will emerge. Avoid moving around the room or in places where there is direct sunlight.

It does not tolerate any change in the environment. Generally, the clay soil suitable for the pot is not suitable for this tree. Porous clay mixed with sand is vaporous. The soil should be loose, loose, drain quickly, and have adequate nutrition. By adding sand to it, it grows well in the pot. Check the plant you bought properly and remove the rubber bands placed on it. Do not put Pachira in a big pot. Its roots are small, so keep it in a container in which it is easy to drain excess water and is of proper size.

Provide just enough water to ensure that the roots get enough water. In excess water the roots rot and the plant dies. This plant, which is kept at home for its appearance, is sold as Pachira aquatica but it is actually another species called Pachira glabra. The yield of leaves on a tree grown in the ground decreases. The petals of its eye-catching bicolor flowers are 32 centimeters long and are attached to the trunk branch. Their fragrance is like that of a lily. The female and the group of stamens look like a shaving brush. Leaves and flowers are eaten. It is said that the shape of the flowers and their nocturnal growth indicate that their fruiting is done by chamacha birds.

Flowers up to 5.5 centimeters long have been found on Barro Colorado Island. In second stage, 10 – 15 fruits are produced in 5 boxes, weight is 1 – 1.5 kg. For years, people considered Pachira glabra to be Pachira aquatica. Then it was noticed that the seeds of Pachira aquatica are saffron red and the outer skin of the fruit is slippery. It is cultivated in Taiwan. The tree bears its first fruits in spring and autumn. It can tolerate a temperature of 5 °C but do not let it remain below 12 °C. If it is maintained at a temperature of 20 °C with humidity throughout the year, it remains healthy. This tree is cultivated for its large wood-like fruit with white stripes on it. The outer shell is not eaten. The fruit develops internally – until its outer shell bursts spontaneously. The taste and aroma of loose beans is similar to that of European chestnut. They are made into hot drinks. B contains cyclopenoid fatty acids (CPFAs), which are carcinogenic to animals, including humans. This B is poisonous to rats. In an experiment, six rats were given B. Five died, the sixth had swelling in the stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs and gallbladder.

Pachira aquatica is not Indian, it is not mentioned in any book of Ayurveda.

According to Chinese Vastu and Feng Shui, keeping the plant in the southeast room or corner of the room helps in experiencing the flow of positive energy. Actually, a plant named Epipremmanum Orreum is used to remove Vaastu defects. It is also called money plant. Both the plants purify the environment and provide energy. By removing harmful chemicals from the air, vitality and lung function improves. The act of letting go removes mental fatigue and gives inner peace. Satvik environment increases vitality.

In Central and South America, the bark of Pachira aquatica is boiled and drunk to relieve anemia, fatigue, and low blood pressure. The paste is prepared by thoroughly grinding Pachira aquatica leaves in water. Applying it where there is irritation on the skin provides cooling effect. The raw green fruits and seeds of Pachira aquatica help in hepatitis. It has some anesthetic properties. According to the ASPCA, the Pachira aquatica tree is non-poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats. An emergency condition of the digestive system occurs when a large number of leaves or peels are consumed. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting occur in cats. Raw bea contains cyclopropanoid fatty acids which are carcinogenic in animals. One thing worth noting is that the plants growing in the house bear fruit. The tree is protected from infectious insects and pests. If you have sprinkled sweet chemicals for protection, take care that pets do not chew their leaves.

The leaves, branches, roots of trees do not harm humans, dogs or cats, but stay away from their fruits and seeds. If the soil in the pot where the tree is kept becomes completely dry, then add water in a measured amount. Do not keep in standing water. Empty the container in which it is kept after 15 minutes of pouring water. Never put ice on it.