Brazil Nut, the fruit of the Bertholletia ex-celsa, a large tree of the order lecythidacece, found chiefly on the Orinoco. The nuts are of the form of triangular prisms, with very hard shells; they contain a rich oily meat in one piece like an almond. They are arranged in four cells, each of which contains six or eight nuts, and all are included in a spherical case, half as large as a man's head. The Portuguese formerly carried on an extensive trade in these nuts. They are now chiefly exported from Para, and continue to form an article of great commercial importance. When fresh, they are highly esteemed for their rich flavor; but they become rancid in a short time from the great quantity of oil they contain. This has been largely extracted for use in lamps.

Brazil Nut, showing Fruit cut open, disclosing the arrangement of Nuts.

Brazil Nut, showing Fruit cut open, disclosing the arrangement of Nuts.