Tangga
Cyphosperma tanga

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A solitary palm. It grows 6 m high and is 12 cm across the trunk. The trunk is chocolate brown with yellow rings from the leaf bases. The leaves are large. They are 2 m long and stand erect. They are deep green above and pale green underneath. They are undivided or split at irregular spaces towards the tip. The flowering stalk has a few branches. It is 2 m long and erect. At the tip there are 60 cm long thin branches with greenish yellow flowers. These are of both sexes. The fruit are yellow and 12 cm across.

There are 4 Cyphosperma species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Fiji as an understorey palm in rainforest. It needs constant warmth and moisture. The soil should be rich in humus and be slightly acid. It can stand full sun after the seedling stage.

Countries/locations it is found in

Fiji, Pacific

How it is used for food

The seed is eaten. The palm heart is edible.

Edible parts

Seeds, palm heart, cabbage

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Taveunia