Barringtonia edulis aka Cutnut

Barringtonia edulis is an evergreen tree in the Lecythidaceae family. Its common names include cut nut and vutu kana. It comes from the southwestern Pacific, including Fiji and Vanuatu. It grows in a wet tropical climate. Wild trees occur in dense forest, open forest, woodland, and grassland. These sites reach about 1,312 feet [400 metres] above sea level.

Garden size reports range from 33 to 39 feet [10–12 metres] tall. One source gives a spread of 26 feet [8 metres]. Larger trees may reach 49 feet [15 metres]. The trunk can measure 1–1.3 feet [0.3–0.4 metres] across. The tree keeps its leaves year-round and grows fast. Moths and bats pollinate its flowers. The supplied sources give no details of flower colour or season.

This tree grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist ground and suits humid sites. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also grows in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil. It can cope with salt in the soil and coastal exposure. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12 for cultivation. Sow the seeds soon after the fruit ripens.

People eat both the seeds and fruit, raw or cooked. The seeds taste like uncooked peanuts. A hard shell encloses each kernel. The fruit has little flavour, but people eat it as a snack. Local markets sell the edible seeds. People gather food from wild trees and grow trees near homes. They also keep trees when clearing forest for other uses. This makes the species useful in food gardens and village plantings.

The light wood serves for paddles, cases, and light building work. People also burn it as fuel, though it burns fast. Traditional medicine uses the bark for stomach complaints and gonorrhoea. Reports also describe bark tea intended to induce abortion and lasting sterility. These reports do not establish safety or prove that it works. Both plant references list no known hazards. That does not confirm that every part is safe to use. The evidence names no pests or diseases. Plants For A Future reports no weed potential.