Oenocarpus distichus
Mart.
Pataua, Bacaba, White bacaba
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Paul K from Sydney, Australia (via Wikimedia Commons)
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(c) Joey Santore, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joey Santore
Description
Oenocarpus distichus is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Oil. Fruit - raw or cooked. It has a thin, fleshy pulp. A high-calorie beverage is commonly made from the fruit by removing the pulp and then whipping it with water. Called 'Bacaba branca', it is highly esteemed locally. It can also be fermented into a vinegar. The pulp of the fruit contains a clear, yellow, sweet-flavoured oil. It can be used as a perfect substitute for olive oil. Used in cooking. Leaves - cooked. The apical bud, often known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable. Eating this bud leads to the death of the tree because it is unable to make side shoots.
Medicinal Uses
The oil from the fruit pulp is emollient.
Distribution
S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru
Where It Grows
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Tocantins), Bolivia (El Beni, Santa Cruz)
Cultivation
Grows best in a sunny, moist, but well drained position.
Propagation
Seed
Other Uses
Oil. The leaves are used for thatching and weaving.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Pataua, Bacaba, White bacaba, Bacaba palm
