Sterculia apetala aka Panama Tree

Sterculia apetala is called Panama tree or Panama nut. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range runs from Florida into southern tropical America. This tree grows in wet tropical regions. It occurs in both old forest and regrowth. People also grow it near homes and in other settled areas. Useful Tropical Plants reports its 2019 conservation status as Least Concern.

This large tree sheds its leaves and grows fast. Reported heights range from 33–79 feet [10–24 metres], sometimes more. A separate height entry gives 66 feet [20 metres]. Its dense crown spreads into an umbrella shape. The straight, round trunk can reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Buttresses support the base, which often also forms prop roots. Its broad crown provides shade, one reason people plant it across the tropics.

Flowering varies with place rather than following one fixed schedule. Some trees bloom only once in two years. Elsewhere, trees can bloom twice within a year. The fruit takes about a year to reach maturity. Each fruit holds four to eight seeds. These can reach about one inch [0.025 metres] long. People gather seeds from wild trees for food and local sale. They also plant the tree for its seeds and timber.

Give this moist-tropical tree a sunny site with shelter. It grows best in fertile soil that drains well. Wild trees often grow in sandy soils or soils rich in lime. Their sites do not undergo regular flooding. Once established, trees can withstand drought. Sow fresh, ripe seed in separate pots with partial shade. The source reports good germination, with shoots appearing after 20–30 days. These needs distinguish seed care from the sunny conditions suited to established trees.

People eat the seeds raw, roasted, or fried. Their mild sweetness has been compared with almonds. Ground roasted seeds also go into drinks and sweets. The seeds yield oil for food and other uses. Uses include paint making and oil for watch parts. Traditional medicine uses seed oil on skin eruptions. Such uses do not establish that treatments work. The wood is soft and lacks durability. It can split or warp as it dries. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety assessment.