It makes no sense that this glorious flowering tree is not more actively planted in South Florida. In fact, it is rare and only a few are seen - most we planted. From Tropical Mexico to parts of South America, this evergreen is rated large, up to 60 feet. However, the oldest trees we have seen are in South Miami and not near that size, but impressively wide.
Young trees grow with a single trunk for a long time.
Pachira don't seem to want to start branching until they're over about 8 feet tall, then branch moderately. The magnificent flower shown is also fragrant. Unfortunately, any one flower only last one day long. However, the flowers are large like softballs, complex, and very beautiful. After flowering in late fall or early winter in South Florida, the pachira develops large fuzzy-looking brown oval nuts which may be over one foot long.