Bahia Piassava (Attalea funifera)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Attalea funifera or Bahia Piassava Palm is a large, tropical palm that can reach up to 15 m high. There are 5 to 15 long leaves with irregularly arranged leaflets. The fruit is very large, with 1-3 seeds. Oil can be obtained from the seed and fruit, while fibre can be obtained from the leaves. Young, undeveloped plants of this palm also yields fibre called bananeiras.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Nut. The oil or fat from the nut is used in margarine. — Edible portion: Nut.; The oil or fat from the nut is used in margarine.

Habitat & North American Range

Mainly found in dry forests along the north-eastern coast of Brazil. Stabilized sand dunes by the sea and Atlantic coastal forest. (Zone 10)