Vegetable Ivory (Phytelephas macrocarpa)

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

Phytelephas macrocarpa or commonly known as Ivory Nut Palm is a tropical, dioecious, solitary palm with a short trunk of about 3 m high, large crown comprised of 12-20 leaves, large white flowers, and composite fruits. Edible parts are the nuts, leaves, palm hearts, and fruits. The jelly-like immature endosperm is eaten or consumed as a drink. The hard seed is used as a substitute for ivory. It is used as buttons and in craft making.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing drink. — The apical bud is cooked and eaten as a vegetable.; Eating this bud will lead to the death of the tree since it is unable to form side branches.; The seed tissue of the immature fruit is liquid - it is used as a refreshing drink.; The fruit has been used as a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Rainforest. Lowland rainforests on alluvial soil. (Zone 10)