Podococcus barteri
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A clustering palm. It grows 3-5 m high. There are spiny stilt roots at the base of the stems. The leaf crown forms a half circle. The leaves arch over. The leaflets are widely spaced. They are a narrow diamond shape. They are light green on both surfaces. The end leaflet is larger than the others. The leaflets have lobes and teeth along the edge. The flowering stalks are like a spike. They are erect until the fruit develop. The flowers have both sexes. The fruit are 2.5 cm wide and are lobed. They have spindle shaped seeds inside.
There is only one Podococcus species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the equatorial lowland rain-forest. It needs plenty of moisture.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, Congo R, Gabon, Nigeria, West Africa
How it is used for food
The seed kernel is eaten raw.
Edible parts
Nuts, fruit
How it is grown
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Nyamvini