The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a towering giant of the Amazon rainforest, often reaching heights of over 50 meters and living for centuries, with some specimens believed to be over 1,000 years old. This remarkable tree produces large, woody fruits containing seeds, commonly known as Brazil nuts. The tree's ecological significance is profound, relying on specific bees for pollination and agoutis for seed dispersal. These interactions highlight the intricate web of dependencies within the Amazon ecosystem. Brazil nut trees thrive in non-flooded areas of the rainforest, contributing to the region's biodiversity and environmental stability.

Economically, Brazil nuts are a vital non-timber forest product, harvested from the wild due to the tree's complex ecological needs that make cultivation difficult. Rich in selenium and highly nutritious, Brazil nuts are used in various culinary and cosmetic applications. The sustainable harvesting of Brazil nuts provides crucial income for indigenous and local communities, promoting forest conservation as their economic value is recognized. However, threats such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change pose significant risks to the Brazil nut tree's survival, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

On the left, you can see a new Brazil nut tree planted at the Baltimori sites during 2024; on the right, you can see a mature Brazil nut tree at the La Joya sites, hundreds of years old and full of bee hives.