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Summary
Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Palmae. Modern classifications include it within the Arecaceae.
Phytelephas aequatorialis or also known as Vegetable Ivory or Corozo is a tropical, dioecious palm found in Australia, Brazil, Central America, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and other parts of South America. It is a solitary palm growing about 16 m tall, with trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. It has a large and round leaf crown, with each leaf measuring about 5-6 m long. It is the main source of a botanical alternative to ivory known as Ecuadorean vegetable ivory or tagua. The seed is edible. Liquid endosperm is consumed as a drink. The leaves are cooked and the apical buds are eaten as a vegetable. The endocarp is very hard and used for making buttons, chess pieces, etc. The leaves are used as a thatch.
Physical Characteristics
Phytelephas aequatorialis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Beetles, Flies, Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Palandra aequatorialis (Spruce) O.F.Cook
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Apical bud Fruit Leaves Seed
Edible Uses: Drink
The seed is eaten in various ways. When immature, the liquid endosperm is used as a refreshing drink[768 ]. As it becomes harder and more jelly-like, it is eaten as a food[768 ]. The orange, fleshy fruit is eaten as a delicacy[768 ]. Leaves - cooked[763 ]. The apical bud, often known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable[763 ]. Eating this bud leads to the death of the tree because it is unable to make side shoots[K ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
Other Uses
Beads Buttons Thatching
Other Uses: The endocarp of the seed is very hard. Known as vegetable ivory, it is used for making buttons, chess pieces and ornamental articles of various kinds[324 , 768 ]. The leaves are used as a thatch[768 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[768 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed -
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Vegetable ivory, Corozo, Ivory palm, tagua - Spanish, Coroso, Tagua, Trapa, Cade,
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Ecuador (west)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not
in your area so it's worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Status: Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Expert comment
Author
Spruce
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Phytelephas aequatorialis
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