Ouricuru Palm, Pururima Oil
Syagrus cocoides

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm with a slender trunk. It grows 12 m high. It is about 7-10 cm across. The trunk has indistinct rings. The crown has erect to arching fronds. The leaves are 3.3-4 m long. The leaflets are arranged in clusters around the stalk. They are thin and dark green and hang downwards. They grow at different angles giving a feathery appearance. The leaf stalk is covered with white mealy powder. The fruit are large. They are 6 cm long.

There are about 30 Syagrus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical locations. It grows in moist to wet forests and woodlands. It cannot tolerate cold. It will grown in light shade but does better in full sun. It needs well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, South America

How it is used for food

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Kernel, nuts, seeds - oil

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jata, Piririma, Wore

Synonyms

Cocos drudei Becc.; Cocos syagrus Drude; Cocos weddellii Drude; Syagrus brachyrhyncha Burret; Syagrus cocoides var. linearifolia Barb. Rodr.; Syagrus drudei (Becc.)Becc.;