Vegetable ivory (Phytelephas aequatorialis)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phytelephas aequatorialis or also known as Vegetable Ivory or Corozo is a tropical, dioecious palm found in Australia, Brazil, Central America, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and other parts of South America. It is a solitary palm growing about 16 m tall, with trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. It has a large and round leaf crown, with each leaf measuring about 5-6 m long.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing drink. — The seed is eaten in various ways.; When immature, the liquid endosperm is used as a refreshing drink.; As it becomes harder and more jelly-like, it is eaten as a food.; The orange, fleshy fruit is eaten as a delicacy.

Habitat & North American Range

An understorey palm of the rain forest, growing on wet lowlands, often near rivers, on the coastal plain; ascending to 1,500 metres. It is often left in pastures when the forest is cleared. (Zone 10)