provision tree (Pachira aquatica) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Provision tree is a tropical tree that grows along waterways and is usually sold in the United States as a houseplant called money tree. Plants sold under that name may also be the similar species Pachira glabra.

Appearance

Growth form: In the wild it is a tropical tree; potted plants stay much smaller.
Leaves: Each leaf spreads into five to nine shiny leaflets, like fingers from one point.
Flowers: Large flowers have pale petals and many long tipped red. Indoor plants seldom bloom.
Fruit: The large woody pod splits when ripe and releases its seeds. A houseplant is unlikely to fruit.

Look-alikes

Money tree (Pachira glabra)Pachira glabra

The leaves can look alike, so a houseplant without flowers may be hard to separate. This species has red-tipped stamens, while the other money tree has white stamens.

Why they get mixed upBoth are sold as money trees.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Tropical wetlands
Houseplant pots
Range: It is native from Mexico through tropical South America. In the United States, it is grown as a houseplant and is also planted outdoors in South Florida.
Preferred conditions: It tolerates wet ground in its native habitat, while potted plants need drainage and indirect light.

Growing it

Care: Growers can braid the flexible trunks of young plants together.
Propagation: The species can be grown from seed or stem cuttings.

Name and classification

About the name: This species has two named varieties.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Guiana chestnut is another U.S. name for this species.

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