Ten seed ammandra
Ammandra decasperma

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm. It has short stems. They can be underground or above ground. They can be creeping. The palm can be solitary or in clusters of up to 6. There are 6-10 leaves. They are erect. The leaf stalk is 3.5 m long. The axis of the leaf is also about 3.5 m long. There are 40-58 leaflets on each side. They are arranged regularly and spread in the same plane. The flowering stalk is at ground level. It is often covered with litter. The fruiting heads are 25 cm across. There are 3-10 fruit. They have woody projections.

There are 2 Ammandra species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. They grow in lowland rainforest below 200 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Colombia, Ecuador, South America

How it is used for food

The immature layer of the fruit is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cabecillo, Cabecita, Chili muyo, Tobewe, Tubeta, Yarina, Yumal, Yume

Synonyms

Ammandra dasyneura (Burret) Barfod [Invalid]; Phytelephas dasyneura Burret; Phytelephas decasperma (O.F.Cook) Dahlgren;