Brazil nut - Bertholletia excelsa

Description and Uses

Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) is a tropical tree from Amazone. It is mainly grown for its nut crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by ground gathering. After 150 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Bertholletia excelsa has a lifespan of 600 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 55 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than shade tolerant. Bertholletia excelsa has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is bi-sexual and is pollinated by bees.

Bertholletia excelsa thrives in an altitude of 0 to 600 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 24 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 2800 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1400 - 2800 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of clay.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

There are approximative 19000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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