Eugeissona insignis
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. It forms clusters. It has stilt roots 1-3 m long. The stem is 2-5 m tall. The leaves are large and point upwards but curve over at the tips. They are 6.6 m long. They are spiny and can be 13 m long. The leaflets are regularly spaced and 1 m long and hang down. The flowering shoot can be 6-10 m tall. The flowers are 8-9 cm long. The fruit are 10 cm long and 6 cm wide.
There are about 6 Eugeissona species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows on steep slopes and cliffs in coastal forests near sea level. It can grow up to 700 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sarawak, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The young fruit are edible. The palm heart is edible. Starch can be extracted from the trunk.
Edible parts
Sago, starch, cabbage, palm heart
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Jato, Kajatao, Pantu kejatau, Pijatau