Pataua (Oenocarpus distichus)

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

Oenocarpus distichus is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet-flavoured oil. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; It has a thin, fleshy pulp.; A high-calorie beverage is commonly made from the fruit by removing the pulp and then whipping it with water.; Called 'Bacaba branca', it is highly esteemed locally.

Habitat & North American Range

Dryland forests and the transitional vegetation of the savannahs. Lowland rainforest, as well as in somewhat drier areas on the margins on savannah. Grows in areas not subject to seasonal inundation at elevations up to 350 metres. (Zone 10)