Phytelephas aequatorialis

The plants are dioecious, with the female individuals bearing large brown conical fruits, each approximately the size of a grapefruit and covered in a horned husk, containing usually four seeds. Immature seeds contain sweet edible pulp. Mature seeds are harder than wood and are encased in a bonelike shell. The endosperm is a white hemicellulose material that is so hard it can be polished and carved like ivory. Indeed, the plant's genus name Phytelephas means elephant plant. Three other species in this genus are sources of vegetable ivory as well.

* Phytelephas aequatorialis Spruce -> Palandra aequatorialis (Spruce) O. F. Cook * Phytelephas karstenii O. F. Cook -> Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz. & Pav. subsp. schottii (H. Wendl.) Barfod * Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz. & Pav. * Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz. & Pav. subsp. macrocarpa * Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz. & Pav. subsp. schottii (H. Wendl. More

PalmTalk: Phytelephas aequatorialis and Metroxylon amicorum - PalmTalk = Jump to content Logo Sign In Register Help Search Advanced * PalmTalk. More