Jacitara
Desmoncus polyacanthos var. prunifer

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm with a cluster of stems. They are 2-15 m tall. The stems are 0.5-2 cm across. There are 15-25 leaves. They are in two rows on either side of the stem. The sheath has black or brown spines. These are 2 cm long. The leaf stalk has spines which curve backwards. There are 4-14 leaflets on either side of the leaf. These are arranged irregularly. The flowering stalk has 5-17 branches. The bract has spines which have bulbs near the base. The fruit are oval. They are 1-2.2 cm long by 0.8-1.8 cm wide. They are red or orange.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow along river banks and in open areas. They grow from sea level to 1000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit are acid and sweet and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, nuts, kernel

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bambakka, Bejuco alcalde, Espera-ai, Kawawarri, Vara casha, Voladora

Synonyms

Aitara prunifera (Poepp. ex Mart.) Kuntze; Desmoncus prunifer Poepp ex Mart.;