Attalea amygdalina

Attalea (at-tahl-EH-ah) amygdalina (ah-mihg-dah-LEE-nah)
Mt. Warning Caldera, Nth NSW, Australia. Original photo by Pete
Scientific Classification
Genus: Attalea (at-tahl-EH-ah) Species: amygdalina (ah-mihg-dah-LEE-nah)
Synonyms
Attalea uberrima, Attalea victoriana.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Taparo

Habitat and Distribution

Colombia. Forests along streams in mountain areas; most of former habitats have been

Mt. Warning Caldera, Nth NSW, Australia. Photo by Pete.

converted to coffee plantations. Dry to wet, forested ravines at elevations from 1,000 - 1,600 metres

Description

Attalea amygdalina is an evergreen palm growing up to 8 metres tall. It has a short, subterranean stem that is topped by a crown of 10 - 15 erect leaves that can each be up to 7.5 metres long. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The seed has a high content of a good quality oil - it has been recommended as a potential commercial species. Editing by edric.

Culture

Prefers a position in light shade

Comments and Curiosities

"Attalea amygdalina here is getting longer leaves ( 20 + ft) and wider at the base, this Attalea is native to Colombia and was planted 16 yrs ago from an 8" pot, it has much larger siblings in Townsville. (Pete) See photos below.

Uses: Edible kernels having the nutty flavor of semi-dry coconut meat are produced, palm oil is used in cooking. A fine, edible oil is obtained from the seeds. This product has not been exploited commercially for lack of efficient machines to break the hard endocarp without damaging the seeds.