Astrocaryum vulgare
Astrocaryum (ahs-tro-kahr-EE-uhm) vulgare (vohl-GAH-reh) | |||||||
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Between the savannah, and Sinnamary Iracoubo, French Guiana, Photo-Flore de Guyane. | |||||||
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Contents
Habitat and Distribution
Astrocaryum vulgare is found in Nothern Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname, common in the savannas and lowlands.Description
A medium sized Caespitose palm growing to 12-50 feet. The trunk and stem parts, have large black spines, that can grow to several inches long. pistillate flower with calyx urn-shaped, corolla as long as the calyx; ripe fruit orange to reddish, up to 4 cm long and 3 cm broad. Oval, 2" yellow-orange edible fruits. The fruits have a mildly sweet flavor, and are high in vitamin A. They contain a single large seed. Editing by edric.
Culture
Hardiness, USDA zones 10A-11. Thrives in moist, tropical environments.Full sun; sandy loam to dry soil. Protect from frost. Its unclear whether this species is suitable in subtropical areas. Seeds can take more than a year to germinate.
Comments and Curiosities
Uses: Witoto medicine men believe that the heavy spines on the trunk of chambira palm, Astrocaryum vulgare, are the favorite and most potent darts shot into the human body by malevolent spirits to cause sickness and misfortune.
Palm of the savannah, with edible fruit. Used for making the "broth awara" famous Guyanese soup. The fruits from the tucumá, are sold fresh in food markets in Leticia, on the Amazon River. Witoto medicine men believe, that the heavy spines on the trunk of Chambira palm, Astrocaryum vulgare, are the favorite and most potent darts shot into the human body by malevolent spirits to cause sickness and misfortune. Spiny, solitary feather palm, to 10-17 m. Some rare individuals are spineless. These palms are usually found in groupins, rarely alone. USE: The fruit pulp is used to prepare juice, and the kernel shell it contains an excellent oil similar that of to coconut and oil palm. The bud gives palmito.
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The immature endosperm gives a juice called vino de tucuma, used for culinary preparations. A wine is made from the fermented sap of the spathe. The seed contains a hard white substance which once fine edible fat can be extracted. The kernel shell is used for handicrafts (rings, bracelets, collars, etc.). The leaf fibers are extracted is used to make ropes, fishing nets, bags, clothes, and hammocks. This fiber is resistant to rot and damage and was therefore in use on sailing ships, in earlier centuries. The stems are used as poles, for fences, corrals, and rural housing. The fat extracted from the seeds, can also be used for soap-making. The fruit can be utilized against the eye disease xerophthalmia (also called ophthalmoxerosis) of which the deficiency of vitamin A is the main reason. The oil used in biodiesel production. The seeds are also fashioned into rings which have local cultural significance. The pulp oil was analysed for fatty acids, tocopherol, carotenoid, and phytosterol and we evaluated whether this oil may attenuate inflammation in vivo. In an endotoxic shock model, awara pulp oil treatment decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a pulmonary inflammation model, awara pulp oil treatment reduced eosinophil and lymphocyte numbers recovered into the broncho-alveolar lavages. These results suggest that awara pulp oil administration can efficiently counteract an acute and chronic inflammatory response in vivo that is probably mediated by fatty acids and minor compounds. Editing by edric. |
External Links
- Glossary of Palm Terms
- MODERN BOTANICAL LATIN
- "Just To Be Clear"
- http://100amazonia.trustpass.alibaba.com/product/109914953-101600545/Tucuma_Astrocaryum_vulgare_Seed_Butter.html
References
All information translated from the French, edric.
Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.
Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos
Special thanks to Palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos
Glossary of Palm Terms; Based on the glossary in Dransfield, J., N.W. Uhl, C.B. Asmussen-Lange, W.J. Baker, M.M. Harley & C.E. Lewis. 2008. Genera Palmarum - Evolution and Classification of the Palms. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. All images copyright of the artists and photographers (see images for credits).
Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.