Jauari
Astrocaryum jauari

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A spiny palm. It mostly forms clusters but can occur singly. They are 5-13 m tall. The stems are 9-30 cm across. There are 6-15 leaves. They are stiffly erect. They are 4-5 m long. There are 56-148 leaflets on each side. They are arranged irregularly in clusters. They spread in different planes. The flowering stalks are erect and among the leaves. The male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. There are 3-5 female flowers at the base. The fruit are round to oval and 2.5-3.5 cm long by 1.7-2.5 cm across.

There are about 40-50 Astrocaryum species. The fruit is 37% oil.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows along the edges of rivers. It is often in areas which are flooded.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The kernel is a source of edible oil. The fruit endosperm is eaten. The fruit have been used to make flour.

The palm heart is canned commercially.

Edible parts

Palm heart, oil, cabbage, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Alvarico, Awarra, Chambirilla, Guiridima, Huiririma, Liba awara, Sauarai, Yavari

Synonyms

Astrocaryum guara Burret;