According to the legend of the money tree plant, a poor and hardworking old farmer one day came across an unusual plant in the fields. Since he had never seen anything like it before, he decided to dig it up. The little tree was difficult to pluck, but he managed to take it home. At home, he discovered that the tree was hardy and grew without much care. He decided to learn a lesson from the plant and decided to be stubborn, resilient, and not give up on the things he worked for. He soon became a great entrepreneur.
The true story of the money tree plant
The true story behind the braided money tree is not so romantic, but no less fascinating. The story dates back to the 1980s. During a typhoon, a truck driver in Taiwan was unable to drive his truck. So, he stayed home and helped his wife braid her hair at her beauty salon. He came up with the idea: why not braid some money tree plants? He took five plants and made a shape out of them. They were an instant hit, immensely popular throughout Asia. Today, the braided money tree plant has become one of the most popular indoor plants in the world.
Pachira aquatica or money tree
Pachira aquatica or money tree refers to the tree of tropical wetlands, which is native to Central and South America and grows in the swamps of these places. Popular names for this plant are Provision Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut, and Saba Nut.
This plant can reach a height of 18 m (59.1 ft) in wild areas. It is composed of bright green, webbed leaves, lanceolate leaflets and green bark. Its flowers tend to be very showy and include long, narrow petals that when opening resemble a banana peel to make a display of yellowish orange hair-like stamens. Money tree cultivation is done to obtain edible nuts that can be grown in large, woody pods. Walnuts are generally light brown in color accompanied by white stripes.
Its flavor is similar to that of peanuts and it is possible to consume it raw or cooked. It can also be ground into bread. It is also possible to eat its leaves and flowers. It grows very well as a tropical ornamental in humid, frost-free areas. The money tree has increased durability and is capable of excellent adaptation in all various conditions.
It requires a lot of sunlight, but exposure to direct sunlight is detrimental to it in the summer months because the leaves tend to burn in the sun. The term “money tree” for this plant is used primarily in East Asia. It is used in the form of ornaments in Japan. This plant is a symbol of good fortune and in the field of finance it is most commonly seen in commercial houses with red ribbons or other ornamentation.
Feng shui
The plant has a meaning for followers of feng shui. Its five leaves symbolize the five elements of feng shui: wood, water, earth, fire and metal. Some say that if the plant is placed near places where money is kept (or where wealth is needed), prosperity and wealth will follow. The plant is known in Asian cultures as “Bringer of Good Fortune”, especially when gifted. A new proverb even emerged to describe entwined trees: “The five fortunes come home, richer at every juncture.”