Barringtonia procera aka Cutnut

Barringtonia procera is an evergreen tree in the Lecythidaceae family. Its common names include cut nut and pao nuts. Its native range runs from eastern New Guinea to Vanuatu. This includes the Bismarck Islands and Solomon Islands. It grows in lowland secondary rainforest and near coastal villages. People also grow it in home gardens and coconut plantations. They often keep trees when clearing forest for crops.

Garden references give a height of about 33 feet [10 metres]. Another account reports trees reaching 66 feet [20 metres]. Reported crown widths range from 16–26 feet [5–8 metres]. The tree grows at a moderate rate and has an open crown. The lower trunk may lack branches for one-fifth of its height. Moths and bats pollinate its flowers. The fruit holds a hard shell around an edible seed kernel. The supplied sources give no detailed flower or leaf description.

This tree suits warm, wet tropical and wet subtropical climates. It grows at elevations up to 1,969 feet [600 metres]. Its home regions receive rain through most of the year. Some have a short dry season. Even a light frost can harm it. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Give it partial shade, though it also tolerates full sun. It prefers moist soil with good drainage and cannot tolerate waterlogging. It grows in sand, loam, and clay. It also accepts shallow, rocky, salty, and poor soils. Coastal soils with a pH as high as 8.5 suit it.

The open crown lets light reach crops grown below it. Growers use the tree in mixed food gardens and as a windbreak. It also marks boundaries and supports climbing betel plants. People harvest its wood for local use and fuel. It tolerates coastal exposure and strong winds, though severe winds can break branches. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. Sow seeds soon after they ripen.

People eat the seed kernels and sell them in local markets. They also cook the young leaves as a vegetable. Traditional medicine uses the bark, bark sap, and leaves for several ailments. These include stomach complaints, coughs, urinary infections, headaches, and ear inflammation. These records describe local uses, not proof of safe or effective treatment. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants report no known hazards. This does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.