Inaja (Attalea maripa)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Inaja or Maripa Palm (Attalea maripa) is a tall palm that grows up to 20 m tall with trunk diameter of up to 100 cm. It is native to South America and Trinidad and Tobago. The oil obtained from the kernel of the seeds has medicinal purposes. It is used through rubbing as relief from rheumatism. It can also be used in cooking. The large and brown or yellow fruit is edible and is used to make a drink.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

aromatic, almost fibreless pulp with a sweet, pleasant flavour. — Edible portion: Fruit, Kernel, Drink, Palm heart, Cabbage, Oil, Nut.; A succulent, aromatic, almost fibreless pulp with a sweet, pleasant flavour.; It is used to make a drink.; The fruit is up to 5cm long.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry land forest and open areas. Coastal swamps and lowlands. Lowland wet forest and secondary forest derived from it, at elevations up to 500 metres. Usually found in land not subject to seasonal inundation. (Zone 10)