helloplants.org

Astrocaryum chonta

Family: Arecaceae


What it is like

A palm. It grows 10 m tall and the trunk is 18-27 cm across. The crown has about 8-12 spiny leaves. These can be 6-12 m long. The fruit are brown and oval. They are 5-6 cm long and by 2.5 cm wide. They have one large seed.


Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in occasionally flooded soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, South America


How it is used for food

The liquid of the unripe fruit is drunk. The palm heart is eaten. This would kill the palm.

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, palm heart


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Synonyms