Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst.

A large tree. It grows 25 m high. The trunk is straight and has slight grooves. The leaves are alternate. They are dark green above and pale underneath. They are narrowly oval and 12-15 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. Male and female flowers are separate. The male flowers do not have petals and are in groups at the ends of branches. Female flowers are in round groups. There are 3 large seeds in each fruit. They are 1.5 cm long.

A tropical plant. It grows in valleys and on mountains. It grows from sea level to 2,300 m above sea level. It can grow in damp soil. It can grow in poor soils that are acid and have high levels of aluminium. It grows in tropical forests where the annual temperatures are 24°C and rainfall of 2,000-4,000 mm per year. It cannot tolerate fire nor droughts.

The seeds are roasted and eaten. They can be fried or ground into a powder. They can be used for a drink or sweets. They also produce cooking oil.

The seeds should be sown fresh. Seeds germinate quickly in 1-5 days. Seeds can be transplanted after 4 weeks and should remain in a nursery for 6 months. They need to be well shaded early then the shade is reduced. A spacing of 8-9 m is suitable. The plant is used to provide shade for cocoa.