Phytelephas tenuicaulis
(Barfod) A. J. Hend.
Slender ivory palm
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(c) Pete Woodall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaPhytelephas tenuicaulis is a species of palm in the genus Phytelephas. The compound leaves are around 7 meters in length, with stem diameters of 10 cm. Brown, ovulate fruits of about 6 cm are produced. Palms of the Phytelephas genus are also referred to as vegetable ivory palms.
Description
A palm. It usually grows in clusters of up to 8. They are 7 m tall and 8-10 cm across the stem. The leaves are 2-5 m long with 35-75 leaflets on each side. They are opposite and arranged in one plane. The fruiting heads are 15-40 cm wide with about 10 fruit. These are 6-9 cm long. There are about 5 seeds in each fruit.
Edible Uses
The fruit, seeds, and palm heart are all edible.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. They grow in the lowlands on river plains.
Where It Grows
Amazon, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America,
Synonyms
Also Known As
Chinche, Guisedue, Sehua, Shipati, Umakawe, Yarina
References (5)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 496
- Marcia, M. J., et al, 2011, Palm Uses in Northwestern South America: A Quantitative Review. Bot. Rev. (2011) 77:462-570
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
- Torre, de la L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 207
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
