Nickernut

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Caesalpinia sp.
Caesalpinia bonduc fruit
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.

Nickernuts are also said to contain arsenic.

[edit] External links

• Wayne's Word article on nickernuts.
• Common Name: Nickernut

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