Classification

Domain – Eukarya
  Kingdom – Plantae
    Division – Magnoliophyta
      Class – Magnoliopsida
        Order – Ericales
          Family – Lecythidaceae
            Genus – Bertholletia
              Species – Bertholletia excelsa
 
Each of these levels of taxonomy have specific features that are present in all members of each level.  Why does B. excelsa fall into these specific classifications? 
 
Domain Eukarya:  Bertholletia excelsa contains a true nucleus (eukaryote = “true nut”), which utilizes linear DNA as the genetic material, and membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or vacuoles.
 
Kingdom Plantae:  Most members of the Plantae kingdom are multicellular, autotrophic organisms which contain cell walls made of cellulose; however some plants are known parasites, such as Viscum album (European Mistletoe).
 
Division Magnoliophyta:  Being a part of the Angiosperms, members contain seeds that are covered in a fruit structure.  In the case of B. excelsa, the fruit structure is a shell that resembles that of a coconut.  Other members of this division include Citrus sinensis, Citrus reticulata, and Ricinus communis.
 

This phylogenetic tree shows the evolution of the Land Plants.  Following their development from an ancestral green alga, plants did not have vascular tissues associated with their structure.  Vascular tissues were eventually developed in the seedless vascular plants, but as the name implies, seeds were not the main form of dispersal among the phyla.  The seed plants, made up of the Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, are the most developed among the plants.  B. excelsa belongs to the Angiosperms.  Members of this group are known for their flowering capabilities as well as the fruit structure surrounding their seeds.

Class Magnoliopsida:  This class is better known as the dicotyledons.  These organisms contain net-veined leaves, as opposed to parallel-veined.  Vascular tissues in this class are discretely separated into xylem and phloem.  Other members of this class include Solanum tuberosum and Viola odorata.
 
Order Ericales:  This order consists of flowering herbs, shrubs, and trees which often have 5 sepals fused together.  Members also have twice as many stamens as petals.
 

This phylogenetic tree shows the Ericales order.  This order contains many diverse families of plants, and gives rise to commonly known species such as Camellia sinensis (tea plant), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry).

Family Lecythidaceae:  Members of this family are typically large wooden trees that bear large fruits.  The trees typically grow in mostly tropical areas.  For more information on this family and its members visit The Lecythidaceae Pages!
 
Genus Bertholletia:  This genus is comprised of trees that bear edible nuts.

The scientific name “Bertholletia excelsa” is derived from the German botanist Alexander von Humboldt.  Upon categorizing plants from a five-year expedition, Humboldt decided to name this particular plant after a friend of his: Claude Louis Berthollet.  The common name “Brazil Nut” is derived from the nut being found mainly in the Amazon region, which is largely located in Brazil.

To learn more, continue to the Habitat page!