Taparin
Attalea allenii
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A solitary palm without an above ground trunk. The fronds come from the ground in an upright tuft. The leaves are about 5 m long. They are greyish-green. The flower stalks are produced at ground level. The fruit clusters are often half buried in the soil. The fruit are oval and 6 cm long by 3 cm wide. They have a long beak at the tip.
There are between (22) 30-71 Attalea species. Some authorities divide them among Attalea, Orbignya, Scheela and Maximiliana.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in shady tropical forests. It grows on non flooded soils below 500 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Central America, Colombia, Panama, South America
How it is used for food
The fruit is used for a drink. The seeds are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds, nuts, seeds - oil
How it is grown
Plants are grown from fresh seed. Seed take 2-4 months to germinate.
Its other names
Local names
Igan, Igua, Mangue, Taparo