Pili Nut
Canarium ovatum
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Pl. ED5C — Canarium ovatum
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IOverview
Overview
Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum) is a tree native to the Philippines and thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay. It grows up to 20 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit, seeds, and shoots. Known for its ornamental beauty as well as its culinary uses, this tree provides a versatile resource within its native habitat. One distinctive feature of the Pili Nut is its ability to adapt to various soil types while requiring consistent moisture; another notable characteristic is its light green foliage that contrasts nicely with other landscape plants.
Quick answers
What is Pili Nut?
Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum) is a tree native to the Philippines and thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay. It grows up to 20 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit, seeds, and shoots.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pili Nut thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This tree grows to about 20 meters tall and produces edible parts including fruit, seeds, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pili Nut for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun location and well-draining soil for your Pili Nut.
- 1
What you'll need
Pili Nut seeds or saplings, potting mix, container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds about 2 cm deep; for saplings, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place carefully.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure; water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring and summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit when ripe, typically after 2-3 years.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterContainersLumberInkoilWind breakerSoap makingWaterproofing
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 2 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Philippines
Broader regions
introduced:Caroline Is., Marianas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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