Inocarpus fagifer aka Gatp

Inocarpus fagifer is an evergreen tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. People call it Tahiti chestnut, Polynesian chestnut, and mape. Its native range runs from Malesia to the South Pacific. It grows in warm lowlands, near coasts and along rivers. It also grows in swamps, mangrove areas, and dry forest. Some Pacific island communities grow it as a staple food.

Most trees reach about 66 feet [20 metres] tall and wide. Some reach 98 feet [30 metres] or more in height. The dense crown tops a short, thick, uneven trunk. The trunk has deep grooves and forms thin buttresses. These are flared supports at its base. A shallow taproot supports a wide network of side roots. Some roots run across the soil surface. The dark green leaves are oblong and feel like leather. The tree grows at a moderate rate.

Small, scented flowers can be white, cream, or pale yellow. They form clusters at the tips of branches and twigs. Trees first bloom at three to five years old. Bats carry pollen between the flowers. The fruits hold large seeds that people use as food. People boil or bake the kernels. These taste like chestnuts. They also grate seeds for bread, flat cakes, and puddings. Shelled kernels spoil fast and soon turn reddish brown. Reports note that even cooked seeds can be hard to digest. The sources list no known hazards. But they do not show that this tree is safe for pets.

This tree suits hot, damp tropical sites with little seasonal drought. It prefers moist or wet soil. Once well rooted, plants can cope with drought. It grows in sand, loam, clay, and soil that drains poorly. It also grows in poor or salty soil. It copes with soils that are strongly acid or alkaline. Trees grow in sun or shade. Deep shade cuts seed yields. Young plants need shelter from strong sun. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Sow fresh seed soon, as it can no longer sprout within weeks. Do not let seed dry out before sowing.

The broad crown gives shade and shelter in planted spaces. Growers also use the tree to shade plantation crops. Its dense shade limits nearby crops that need strong light. The roots help hold soil along shores and riverbanks. Trees withstand strong winds and serve as windbreaks. People also use the tree for wood and fuel. They use it to manage nitrogen where trees and crops share land. Traditional medicine uses the bark and roots for several complaints. These uses do not prove that treatments are safe or work. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.