Nickernut
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Caesalpinia sp. |
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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.
Nickernuts are also said to contain arsenic.