Nickernut

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iCaesalpinia sp.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Caesalpinieae
Genus: Caesalpinia
Species: Caesalpinia bonduc and C. major
Genera

See text.

Nickernuts are smooth, shiny seeds that are used to play mancala games such as oware in the Caribbean. They are produced by the sprawling thorny coastal shrubs Caesalpinia bonduc and C. major, which produce grey and yellow seeds, respectively. The plant is called the warri tree reflecting the name of the board game.

The nickernut is marble-like and useful for jewelry. The common gray ones are called sea pearls. The brown variety is found mostly on Antigua.

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