Babo
Syagrus comosa

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A slender palm. The trunk is 10-15 cm across. It can grow 5-10 m tall. The trunk has triangle shaped leaf scars. The leaves are 1.3-1.6 m long. The fronds arch over. They are green to grey. The leaflets are clustered along the stalk. They are wide and closely set together. The fruit are oval or round. They are 3 cm across. They are deep yellow-green when mature.

There are about 30 Syagrus species. Chemical composition: Moisture = 3.50%. Ether extract = 67.30%. Protein = 8.77%. Minerals = 1.64%. Fibre (crude etc.) [sic] = 18.79% Ash: Si02 = trace. Ca0 = 9.5%. Fe203 = negative. Saponification index: 263.3. Acid index: Oleic = 1%. Iodine index = 5.9%. Melting point = 200 210 C.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland. It occurs in dry monsoonal climate. It is fairly cold hardy. It needs to be in the sun. It grows below 1,200 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil, South America

How it is used for food

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, palm heart, cabbage, seed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Babao, Catole, Coco catolé, Garioba, Palmito amargo, Woti

Synonyms

Cocos acaulis Drude; Cocos comosa Mart.; Syagrus acaulis (Drude)Becc.;