Pachira insignis, commonly known as Wild Chestnut, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree native to the seasonally flooded areas of the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions in Central and South America. It typically grows to a height and width of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), forming a rounded canopy. The tree is notable for its large, showy flowers with long, white petals and red-tipped stamens that bloom in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The bark is smooth and gray, and the tree may produce large, woody fruits resembling chestnuts.

Wild Chestnut is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It can be grown as a shade tree or an accent plant. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. It requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil to thrive. In cultivation, it is relatively low-maintenance but may need protection from frost in cooler climates. The tree is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. It is not considered invasive outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage plantings responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0