Jariva, Tucum
Astrocaryum campestre
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A solitary palm. The stems are short and often underground. There are 3-6 leaves. These arch over. There are 17-43 leaflets along each side. These are in irregular bundles. They spread in different planes. The flowering stalk is erect and among the leaves. It is short and compact and near ground level. The bract has a brown covering. There are also a few black spines. The flowering branches have 2-5 female flowers at the base. The fruit are oval and 3-3.5 cm long by 2-2.5 cm wide. They are orange or yellowish-green. They are smooth. The fruit are edible.
There are about 40-50 Astrocaryum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They grow in coastal areas in open savanna. They grow in deep sandy soils. They grow from sea level to 1200 m altitude in South America.
Countries/locations it is found in
Bolivia, Brazil, South America
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit