Baru

The Baru or Cumbaru tree is a towering treasure of South America’s Cerrado, reaching up to 50 meters high and offering more than just shade. With its nut, the “chiquitana almond,” it provides a protein-packed snack that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Locals use the nut in everything from traditional dishes to health remedies, and its growing popularity in North America and Europe means this humble seed is slowly becoming a global sensation. Whether toasted or raw, Baru nuts are a staple in the diet and even used as cattle feed in its native regions.

This incredible tree is more than just a source of food—it’s a vital part of the Cerrado ecosystem. Its roots run deep in the soil, offering shade to nearby crops and acting as a safe haven for wildlife. Bats, monkeys, and rodents rely on its fruits, helping to spread its seeds across the landscape. The tree’s role in agroforestry systems and its ability to grow in the wild make it an irreplaceable part of the landscape, offering sustenance and shelter to both humans and animals.

Unfortunately, despite its many benefits, the Baru tree faces significant threats. The ongoing deforestation of the Cerrado, driven by agriculture and livestock production, continues to shrink its natural habitat, causing fragmentation and population decline. With its slow growth and reliance on animal dispersal for seed spread, the Baru’s survival is increasingly precarious. As human activity encroaches on its range, the tree’s genetic diversity becomes more isolated, making it more vulnerable to future environmental changes.

Your tree will be planted by Forest Friends in the Cerrado region of Brazil, one of the world’s most biodiverse savannas.