Lecythis zabucajo Aubl.

A large deciduous tree. It grows 35 m high. The trunk is clear and straight when growing in rainforest. Cultivated trees are smaller. The leaves are simple and deep green. They are 12 cm long by 6 cm wide. They are papery with scalloped edges. The flowers are showy and white or yellow with purple edges. They have 6 petals. The stamens are inside a hinged flap. The flowers have a strong scent. The fruit is a capsule or pod 20 cm long by 26 cm wide. It is round with a 'lid'. The seeds are spindle shaped and deeply ridged. They are 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide.

A tropical plant. It is native to Brazil and Guiana. It grows in the humid fertile lowlands and river valleys. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

The nuts are eaten. They are eaten fresh, roasted or used to make confectionary. CAUTION: The seeds can accumulate toxic levels of selenium from the soil.

Plants are grown by seeds.