Experimental plots of Bertholletia excelsa Η. Β. K. were implanted in 1980 at INPA's Experimental Station for Tropical Silviculture to study growth rates in terms of wood and nut production. The plantation was done on a clear-curted area, with 3.0 by 3 0 m spacing. Ten years later we have observed the following averages: dbh 13.9 cm and total heigth 15.41 m; maximum observed dbh and heigth were 21.7 cm and 23.0 m, respectively: basal area average per hectare and mean volume per hectare were 11.7098 m2 and 117.291 m3; mean survival of 69.44%; cylinder-shaped stem and complete absence of disease or pests. According to dbh average increment rate (t%) it was found a low increment at the age of six years, showing the necessity of thinning, not carryied out because it was just a case of growth trial plots. Up to now B. excelsa trees have showed very good natural pruning and adaptation for red-yellowish latossols.
Brazilian nuts; growth; planting