Ivory nut palm
A tropical plant. It suits hot, humid tropical climates. It needs a sheltered position. It does best in low, damp areas with good drainage of humid shaded mountain forests. A temperature range or 20°C at night and 35°C by day are suitable.
Also known as:
Anon de palma, Chapi, Chapijinkiai, Homero, Jarina, Negro’s Head, Palem gading, Palmera marfil, Tagua palm, Vegetable ivory palm, Yarina
Synonyms
- Elephantusia macrocarpa (Ruiz. & Pav.) Willd.
- Elephantusia microcarpa (Ruiz. & Pav.) Willd.
- Phytelephas karstenii O.F.Cook
- Phytelephas macrocarpa var. macrocarpa
- Phytelephas microcarpa (Ruiz. & Pav.) Willd.
- Yarina microcarpa (Ruiz. & Pav.) O.F.Cook
Edible Portion
- Nuts, Leaves, Palm hearts, Cabbage, Fruit, Seed
Where does Ivory nut palm grow?
Found in: Amazon, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Panama, Peru, SE Asia, South America
Notes: There are about 6 Phytelephas species.
Growing Ivory nut palm
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. The seed are often slow and erratic to germinate. Germination can take 4-12 months. This may be improved by hot water treatment or by sowing shallowly and covering with sphagnum moss.
Edible Uses: The immature endosperm of the young fruit is eaten. It is jelly like. It is also used for drinks The fruit is used as a coffee substitute. The cabbage or growing tip is eaten as a vegetable.
Production: Palms fruit when 6 years old. They produce 4-9 fruit per year. Palms can fruit for 50 to 100 years. Each fruit weighs about 11 kg.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
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World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew