Floridamia Nut palm, Corojo
Gastrococcos crispa

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm with a swollen trunk. It grows to 15-20 m tall. It is grey and supported on a slender base. The trunk is woody and armed with rows of flat spines. Each row occurs on an annual ring. The fronds arch over. The fronds have leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are dark glossy green above and covered with a waxy bloom underneath. Each flowering stalk has a large woody bract underneath. It is covered with brownish fur and spines. The flowers are bright yellow. The fruit are orange. They have an edible oily flesh. They are 2-3 cm across.

There is only one Gastrococcos species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits tropical and subtropical regions. It needs well drained soil. Cairns BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Cuba, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The endosperm of the seeds is eaten. It tastes like coconut.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed can germinate erratically. To try to improve this filing the seed and soaking in dilute acid have been tried. Young plants can tolerate direct sun from an early age.

Its other names

Local names

Cuban Belly Palm

Synonyms

Acrocomia armentalis (Morales)L.H.Bailey; Acrocomia crispa (Kunth.)C.Baker ex Becc.; Acrocomia lasiospatha of Griseb.; Astrocaryum crispum (Kunth.)Gomez Maca; Cocos crispa Kunth; Gastrococos armentalis Morales;