Capuca
Calyptrogyne ghiesbreghtiana
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. It grows 1.5 m tall. It has spines. The leaves are 70-130 cm long. The fruit are about 2 cm across. They are oval and black and have 2 seeds.
There are about 17 Calyptrogyne species. They occur in Central America.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in humid locations from sea level to 1,500 m altitude. Cairns BG.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, North America, West Indies
How it is used for food
The staminodes are sweet and edible.
Edible parts
Flowers, shoots, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Coligallo, Siuta, Vampire palm