Aiphanes erosa: A. minima: Martinezia erosa. – Plant

Description

martinizia palm, macaw palm

Aiphanes minima is an intensely spiny, single-stemmed, evergreen palm growing up to 9 metres tall. The unbranched stem can be 6 – 20cm in diameter; it is topped by a crown of leaves up to 3 metres long

The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is widely grown through the tropics as an ornamental

Habitat

Limestone hills and the understorey or subcanopy of seasonal forests or rain forests, sometimes in deep shade

A plant of the tropics. It is said to be able to tolerate occasional frosts with temperatures falling as low as -2°c

Adult plants can take full sun, but seedlings need shade. Grows best in a warm, sheltered and moist position

Edible Uses

Seed – raw or cooked. The thick, white kernel is similar to that of coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Fruit – raw. The thin, sweet pulp is eaten. The red, globose fruits are up to 17mm in diameter, produced in infructescences of up to 300 fruits.

Propagation

Seed – germinates easily when sown fresh