Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ F5A6edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Clearing Nut

Strychnos potatorum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibletreesedible
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Strychnos potatorum (Clearing Nut) — botanical photograph
Pl. F5A6 — Strychnos potatorum
Strychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorumStrychnos potatorum
I

Overview

Clearing Nut, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum, is a tree native to regions including Botswana, Burundi, Caprivi Strip, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Northern Provinces, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe. This tree thrives in partial sun or full shade environments, tolerating both dry and moist conditions, and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It can grow up to 12 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed once ripe. The Clearing Nut tree is notable for its adaptability and presence in a wide range of habitats across several continents, making it a valuable resource in various growing contexts. While primarily used for its fruit, the Clearing Nut also has utility in filtering and lumber applications. However, caution is advised when handling this plant, as it belongs to a family that includes toxic species.

Quick answers

What is Clearing Nut?

Clearing Nut, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum, is a tree native to regions including Botswana, Burundi, Caprivi Strip, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Northern Provinces, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

The Clearing Nut (Strychnos potatorum) thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows best in light, medium, or heavy soil types and can reach heights of 12 meters. For propagation, seeds can be used. This plant is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to its health.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Clearing Nut for the first time

8steps

Start with Clearing Nut as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers or garden space.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes if planting in containers.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when soil feels dry to the touch, especially during dry periods. Provide partial shade and regular watering.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when ripe for use in culinary applications.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, not harvesting fruits properly.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:FilterLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 15 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)IndiaMyanmarSri Lanka
Africa9 regions
native (9)BotswanaBurundiMadagascarMalawiMozambiqueRwandaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Caprivi Strip, Northern Provinces, Zaïre
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Strychnos potatorum (Clearing Nut) — botanical photograph
Clearing Nut (Strychnos potatorum)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · f5a6f02f-bf0f-49cd-b2bc-0172c91d6926
Decision aid
Choosing between Clearing Nut and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes