Astrocaryum chonta
Mart.
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D. Wang
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GBIF
gbif· cc-by
GBIF
Description
A palm. It grows 10 m tall and the trunk is 18-27 cm across. The crown has about 8-12 spiny leaves. These can be 6-12 m long. The fruit are brown and oval. They are 5-6 cm long and by 2.5 cm wide. They have one large seed.
Edible Uses
The liquid of unripe fruit is drunk as a beverage. The palm heart is eaten, though harvesting it kills the palm. Fruit are sold in local markets.
Traditional Uses
The liquid of the unripe fruit is drunk. The palm heart is eaten. This would kill the palm.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
Harvesting the palm heart is fatal to the plant.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in occasionally flooded soils.
Where It Grows
Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, South America,
Other Uses
The hard endocarp of various Amazonian species is commonly used to make beads and ornaments for necklaces
Other Information
Fruit are sold in local markets.
References (2)
- Ferns, Useful Tropical Plants
- Marcia, M. J., et al, 2011, Palm Uses in Northwestern South America: A Quantitative Review. Bot. Rev. (2011) 77:462-570
