Canarium is the genus

Big shade trees found mainly in the Old World tropics of Malaysia and the Philippines

Also known as the Philippine Nut, the Pili Nut is slender with a lenght of 2-1/2" and a diameter of 3/4".   The shells are difficult to crack.  The nut meats are single kernels and sweet.

The nuts are rich in oil.  When roasted, they have a delicate flavor.  They are served i nthe same manner as almonds and many consider them superior to almonds.

The nuts are used considerably i nthe making on confections.  The unroasted nuts have a purgative effect.

Panama Tree

The Panama Tree from Panama yields seeds that may be eaten in a similar way to the Java Olive nuts.       The Panama Nut is lined with irritating hairs which makes the nut less desirable.

The Maranhao Nut

A close relative of the Java Olive, the Maranhao Nut has an almond-like taste.   The seeds are black, each an inch in diameter..    They are mostly roasted for human consumption. 

Other edible Species:

Buddha's Coconut    East Indies   the winged seeds of its large fruit are eaten

S Balanghas     Tropical East Africa    The seeds, when roasted, are nearly as palatable as chestnuts.

Chica and Panama   These seeds are called chica by the Braziians, and panama by the Panamanians and are commonly eaten as nuts.

S Guttata     Bombay, India  These seeds are eaten by native Bombay natives.

S Urens   These seeds are roasted and eaten by Gonds and Kurkurs of Central India