Urishi, Pakira-maka
Astrocaryum munbaca
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. It can have up to 5 trunks together. They are 6 m high. They are 3.5-6 m across. They are heavily armed with black spines. These can be 1.5-15 cm long. The trunk has distinct rings. The stalks with fruit hang down. The spathe is 50-70 cm long and armed with prickles. The fruit is oval and 3 cm long. It is reddish brown.
There are about 40-50 Astrocaryum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in undergrowth in the rainforest. It grows in mountains up to 650 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Brazil, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, South America, Suriname
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, fruit