Pritchardia filifera
Linden ex Andre
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Bernard Gagnon
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Bernard Gagnon
Description
A palm tree growing 14 m high in rocky canyons, producing small black pulpy fruit.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The sweet fruit pulp of the fan palm is edible. The fruit is eaten raw, cooked, or ground into flour for cakes by Native Americans. The Cahuilla and related tribes use the leaves to make sandals, roof thatch, and baskets. The woody petioles are used to make cooking utensils. The Moapa band of Paiutes and other Southern Paiute people have written memories of using this palm's seed, fruit, or leaves for various purposes, including as famine food. The bud (known as heart of palm) is also eaten.
Distribution
It grows in rocky canyons.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Notes
There are about 40 Pritchardia species.
References (3)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 517
- Ill. Hort. 21:24, 32-39, t. 105-107. 1874 (Linden, Cat. pl. exot. 95:13. 1876)
- Menninger, E.A., 1977, Edible Nuts of the World. Horticultural Books. Florida p 141
