{"product_id":"sterculia-lanceolata","title":"Lance-leaved Sterculia","description":"\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Lance-leaved Sterculia, also known as Phoenix Eye Fruit, is a majestic and lesser-known tropical tree valued for its dual ornamental beauty and nutritious seeds. This fast-growing evergreen produces a spectacular display of bright red, leathery seed pods that split open to reveal glossy, chestnut-like seeds. While the raw seeds are inedible, when boiled or roasted, they transform into a delicious, nutty, and starchy treat with a flavor and texture remarkably similar to chestnuts or taro. A striking specimen tree that offers a unique edible harvest from its canopy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrized for its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estunning ornamental seed pods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which are bright red, boat-shaped, and split open dramatically when ripe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds are edible only after thorough cooking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (boiling or roasting), revealing a nutty, starchy, chestnut-like flavor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efast-growing, evergreen shade tree\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelf-pollinating\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and begins producing its eye-catching fruit within a few years of planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe seeds are rich in starch and healthy fats, making them a nutritious, calorie-dense food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWell-suited to humid tropical and subtropical climates; requires ample space to reach its full majestic form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdible Seed Profile:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlavor (Cooked):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Nutty, mild, and sweet, closely resembling a water chestnut, chestnut, or roasted taro.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTexture (Cooked):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft, starchy, and slightly mealy, similar to a boiled potato or chestnut.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Uses:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Boiled or roasted as a snack, added to stews, soups, or ground into flour. Traditionally used in festive dishes in parts of Asia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Victory Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":43447664083032,"sku":null,"price":2499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0692\/8000\/6232\/files\/Lance-leaved_Sterculia_1.png?v=1764751067","url":"https:\/\/victorynursery.us\/products\/sterculia-lanceolata","provider":"Victory Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}