Maya Nut

Overview

Maya nut is a large, long-lived tree that produces many small fruits with a single starchy seed. The seeds are nutritious and can be stored dry for long periods.

History

Native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it has long been used as a food and fodder tree.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Grows in warm, low to mid elevations with good drainage.
• Check Plant Pono and avoid planting near native forest.

Planting and propagation

• Plant fresh seeds; they lose viability quickly.

Care and maintenance

• Little care once established.
• Collect fallen seeds so they don’t sprout where you don’t want them.

Role in the guild

A long-term canopy tree for larger properties, filling the same role as breadfruit.

Harvest

Collect fallen fruit and remove the seeds.

Uses

• Food: seeds boiled, roasted, or dried and ground into flour.
• Animal feed: leaves and seeds as fodder.

Problems to watch

• Large size.
• Possible spread by seed; keep an eye on seedlings.

Learn more

• Plant Pono: Brosimum alicastrum

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.