Which Amazonian tree produces Brazil nuts?

The Brazil nut tree produces Brazil nuts in the Amazon Rainforest.

Its scientific name is Bertholletia excelsa, and it is one of the tallest trees in the Amazon, sometimes reaching more than 50 metres. Its large, woody fruits contain the edible seeds commonly sold as Brazil nuts.

The fruits are difficult to open and fall naturally from the canopy. Agoutis, large Amazonian rodents, can gnaw into them and bury seeds, helping disperse the tree. Brazil nut flowers are pollinated mainly by large-bodied bees capable of navigating their complex floral structure.

Commercial harvesting usually collects fallen fruits from wild forest trees rather than relying on conventional plantations. This makes Brazil nuts an important non-timber forest product and can provide an economic reason to maintain standing forest.