Wettinia aequalis
(O. F. Cook & Doyle) R. Bernal
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Description
A palm. It has a single stem and grows 6-8 m tall. These stems can be 10-12 cm across. There are stilt roots 50 cm long. There are 5-6 leaves. These are 3-5 m long and there are 20-35 leaflets on each side. The flowering shoots are 15-35 cm long. The fruit are 2-3 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. They are yellow when ripe.
Edible Uses
The palm heart is edible.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows up to 800 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, South America,
Other Uses
The outsides of the stems are very hard. They are used in construction, especially for the walls of houses.
Synonyms
Acrostigma aequale O. F. Cook & DoyleCatoblastus aequalis (O. F. Cook & Doyle) BurretCatostigma aequale (O. F. Cook & Doyle) Burret
References (3)
- Marcia, M. J., et al, 2011, Palm Uses in Northwestern South America: A Quantitative Review. Bot. Rev. (2011) 77:462-570
- Torre, de la L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 209
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
