Brazilnut

Brazil-nut, the seed of Bertholletia (q.v.) excelsa, a native of north-eastern South America. The seeds are closely packed, 18 to 24 together, in the spheroidal woody capsular fruit, which is about six inches in diameter. The testa is brown, woody, and wrinkled and wedge-shaped, and the tegmen resembles the testa of many other seeds. The nuts are rich in a bland oil, known in Brazil as Castanha oil, and used by artists and watchmakers. They form an important article of export from Para, being used not only as a dessert fruit, but now very largely in soap-making.