Cut Nut (Barringtonia Edulis)

Barringtonia edulis is a tropical fruit tree in the family Lecythidaceae that is native to the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. It is commonly known as the Mango Pineapple or Fish Poison Tree.

The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense, symmetrical crown. The leaves are large, glossy, and dark green, and the flowers are large, showy, and fragrant, with pink or white petals and long, protruding stamens. The fruit of the Barringtonia edulis plant is round or oval-shaped, and typically grows to around 10cm in diameter. It has a tough, woody outer shell, which must be removed to access the edible, juicy flesh inside. The fruit is usually eaten raw and has a sweet, tangy flavor that is often compared to a combination of mango and pineapple.

In addition to its culinary uses, the bark, leaves, and seeds of the Barringtonia edulis tree have long been used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, fever, and pain relief. However, the tree is also known to contain toxic compounds that can be lethal to fish and other aquatic organisms, which has led to its use as a traditional fishing method in some areas.

The Barringtonia edulis plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, and is adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Overall, the tree is valued for its delicious and unique fruit, as well as its cultural and ecological significance in the Pacific Islands.