Caryocar brasiliense
Caryocar brasiliensefam. Caryocaraceae
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Pl. 85F4 — Caryocar brasiliense
Caryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasilienseCaryocar brasiliense
IOverview
Overview
Caryocar brasiliense, known as pequi or Brazilian walnut, is a tree native to the forests of Bolivia, Brazil (in the North, South, Southeast, and West-Central regions), and Paraguay. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 10 meters tall. Pequi trees are valued for their edible fruit and seeds, which provide a unique flavor often used in local cuisine.
Quick answers
What is Caryocar brasiliense?
Caryocar brasiliense, known as pequi or Brazilian walnut, is a tree native to the forests of Bolivia, Brazil (in the North, South, Southeast, and West-Central regions), and Paraguay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Caryocar brasiliense thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows best in hardiness zones 10-12. This tree can reach a height of 10 meters and produces edible fruit and seeds. For successful cultivation, ensure the plant receives ample sunlight and is watered appropriately according to its moisture needs.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Caryocar brasiliense for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that can thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or young saplings, potting mix if planting in containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during the spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep in the ground or pots. Transplant young saplings carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Keep Skip in a sunny spot, avoiding direct midday sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Fertilize sparingly with organic compost once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young Skip trees to shape them and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when it turns dark brown and is easily detachable from the tree.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterFencingLumberoilSoap makingTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Americas2 regions
native (2)BoliviaParaguay
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryocaraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryocaraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 85f4a1ce-f334-4fd9-a91d-45d7eb1e781a
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