Jara palm, Yara
Leopoldinia major
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm which forms clusters. It grows 3-8 m tall. The trunks are 5-10 cm across. The trunks are covered at least near the top are covered with stiff reddish-brown fibres. There are about 11 leaves. They hang down. The fruit are flat and an irregular round shape. They are 3-4 cm across. They are dull orange-red.
There are 3 Leopoldinia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They grow on the edges of blackwater rivers in the Amazon.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The fruit are burnt and washed and a floury substance is extracted which is used as salt.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Chiquichiqui, Jara-acu, Morichita, Iara, Iara-iacu