Laccosperma secundiflorum

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A spiny, climbing rattan, or palm. The stem can be 45 m long and 3 cm across. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaf sheaths along the stems are spiny and the leaf stalks are also spiny. The flowering stalk develops at the end of the stems.

There are 7 Laccosperma species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. The grow in low mountain rainforests. It grows along river banks. It suits humid locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The central pith of the palm is roasted and eaten. It is bitter unless well cooked. The young terminal bud can be eaten raw.

Edible parts

Palm heart, cabbage, sap, bud, vegetable, stem

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bondufa, Buketao, Hu ba, Likawu, Okawu, Ongonga, Tambedjom, Tambem-hadje, Tambindjom-o, Ukawu, Unkawu

Synonyms

Ancistrophyllum secundiflorum (P. Beauv.) Wendl.; Calamus secundiflorus P. Beauv.;