Pacaya, Boda
Chamaedorea pinnatifrons
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. It is a very variable palm. It grows 4 m tall. Only the one called pacaya has been recorded as having edible flowers.
There are about 100 Chamaedorea species. They are mostly in Central America. There are 77 species in tropical America.
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Belize, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The immature male flower is eaten raw in salads. It is also boiled and eaten with salt and butter.
Edible parts
Flowers, palm heart, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Cuiliote, Cuilote amargo, Guaya de cerro, Huaco, Megawe, Natse'tsero, Sacha chunta, Shibu, Uksha, Yaunt
Synonyms
Chamaedorea bifurcata Oerst.; Chamaedorea pacaya Oerst,; and many others See Henderson Palms of Americas