The Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Guiana Chestnut, stands out for its majestic appearance and its symbolic association with prosperity. Native to the swampy regions of Central and South America, this plant easily adapts to a variety of environments, making it a popular choice for botanical gardens and modern interiors.
Distinguished by its braided trunk and large, dark green palmate leaves, the Pachira aquatica, or Guiana Chestnut, can grow up to 20 metres tall in its natural habitat. However, when cultivated in pots, it remains much more compact. Its striking flowers, with long, slender petals and prominent stamens, add an exotic touch to its already impressive appearance. Although flowering is rare outside tropical regions, it provides a remarkable visual attraction for visitors to the Au Bois Vert botanical garden.
The Guiana Chestnut is also rich in symbolic meaning, particularly in Asian culture, where it is often referred to as the “money tree.” According to tradition, having this plant in a space is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. For this reason, it is frequently found in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and lodges, such as those in Ivato and Antananarivo. Additionally, its adaptability and low-maintenance nature make it a favourite among plant enthusiasts.
By incorporating the Pachira aquatica into its collection, Au Bois Vert offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire a plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and symbolically significant. This addition enhances the garden’s biodiversity while contributing to a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Plant use
The Pachira aquatica serves both decorative and practical purposes. Thanks to its air-purifying properties, it is well-suited for enclosed spaces such as hotel lobbies and restaurants. Its dense foliage effectively absorbs pollutants, helping to create a clean and harmonious environment. In South America, its edible seeds, often likened to chestnuts, are consumed roasted or ground into flour. Rich in protein and essential nutrients, they form part of traditional diets. In some regions, the leaves and flowers are also used for medicinal purposes due to their anti-inflammatory and revitalising properties. The symbolic significance of the Pachira aquatica makes it a popular choice for interior decoration. Practitioners of Feng Shui strongly believe that this plant attracts positive energy and promotes financial prosperity. Its braided trunk represents unity and strength, while its five leaves symbolise the five essential elements: water, earth, fire, air, and metal. In botanical gardens such as Au Bois Vert, the presence of the Guiana Chestnut not only enhances biodiversity but also sparks educational interest. Visitors discover a plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally valuable, with a rich cultural heritage. Whether for its ornamental appeal or its beneficial qualities, the Pachira aquatica remains an essential feature in the lodges and tropical gardens of Ivato.
Key information
| Common name | Guiana chestnut |
| Scientific name | Pachira aquatica |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Natural habitat | Marshy, tropical areas |
| Life cycle | Perennial plant |
| Flowering period | Spring and summer |
