Chinese Chestnut (Sterculia monosperma)

FamilyMalvaceae
Scientific nameSterculia monosperma
Common name (English)Chinese Chestnut
Common name (Malay)Berangan Cina
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Sterculia monosperma, commonly known as the Chinese chestnut or Thai chestnut, is a tropical tree in the Malvaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia and southern China, it is cultivated for its edible seeds, which are rich in nutrients and commonly used in local cuisine. Various parts of the tree—including seeds, bark, and leaves—have traditionally been used in folk medicine for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties. With its culinary, medicinal, and ecological significance, Sterculia monosperma remains an important species in tropical and subtropical regions.