Lecythis | |
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Lecythis fruits and seeds. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Lecythidaceae |
Genus: |
Lecythis Loefl. |
Synonyms | |
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Lecythis is a genus of woody plant in the Lecythidaceae family first described as a genus in 1758. It is native to Central America and South America.
Several species produce edible seeds and referred to by a variety of common names including paradise nut, monkey pot, cream nut, and sapucaia nut. Lecythis zabucajo is one perhaps the most important edible species, but the seeds of L. ollaria and L. pisonis are also used.