Phytelephas macrocarpa - Ruiz & Pav.

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Summary

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. The leaves are used as a thatching material. Plants are grown from seeds but germination is slow and can take up to 12 months. Fruiting commence at six years after planting.

Physical Characteristics

 
Phytelephas macrocarpa is an evergreen Tree growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 10. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Synonyms

Elephantusia macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Willd. Elephantusia microcarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Willd. Phytelepha

Habitats

Edible Uses

The apical bud is cooked and eaten as a vegetable[412 ]. Eating this bud will lead to the death of the tree since it is unable to form side branches[K ]. The seed tissue of the immature fruit is liquid - it is used as a refreshing drink[301 , 412 ]. A sweet flavour[423 ]. Young fruits[301 ]. The fruit has been used as a coffee substitute[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.



None known

Other Uses

Other Uses: The seed is about the size of a hen's egg[63 ]. As it matures it becomes immensely hard and closely resembles ivory[63 ]. It is used for making buttons, chess pieces and ornamental articles of various kinds[46 , 63 ]. The leaves are sometimes employed in the manufacture of articles of domestic economy[454 ]. (Probably woven into mats etc[K ].) The leaves are used for making baskets[697 ]. The leaves are used as a thatch material for native huts[454 ]. A fibre obtained from the plant is used for brooms, torches, fire starters or blowgun bore-cleaners[697 ].

Cultivation details

Industrial Crop: Vegetable ivory;  Management: Standard;  Regional Crop.

A plant from the warm tropics, though it can tolerate occasional short-lived temperatures down to around freezing[423 ]. Prefers a moist soil and a warm, sheltered position[314 ]. A slow-growing plant, it can take from 7 - 25 years from a young seedling before it starts to produce fruit[423 ]. The flowers are heavily scented[423 ]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[768 ].

Propagation

Seed - it can take 3 - 4 years to germinate[423 ].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

ivory palm, ivory-nut palm, tagua palm, ivoire végétal - French, Elfenbeinpalme - German, Steinnußpalme - German, homero - Spanish, marfil vegetal - Spanish, palma de marfil - Spanish, yarina - Spanish (Peru), elfenbenspalm - Swedish, Tagua palm, Negro’s Head, Yarina, Anon de palma, Palmera marfil,

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Bolivia, Plurinational State of; Peru; Brazil, Amazon, Asia, Australia, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Panama, South America,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed

Expert comment

Author

Ruiz & Pav.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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