Full Sun
Moderate watering
Tender
H2
RHS hardiness
1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
20m | Max | 4m |
1m | Min | 1m |
7 years to reach maturity
Flowering
More images of Pochote
Pochote Overview
Pachira quinata is a tender perennial species in the mallow family, Malvaceae, that is commonly known as Pochote. This plant produces shiny, green, oval leaves and has an arching habit. Originating from dry forest environments in Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Colombia, this species is covered in thorns on the trunk and branches. It is often used as fencing and it is cultivated in Costa Rica for wood production. Showy white flowers open like a banana peel to reveal fine hair-like stamens, overall flowers have a bottlebrush-like appearance. This plant is capable of producing edible nuts in large woody pods and these are said to taste like peanuts.