Arecaceae FAMILY

Aiphanes macroloba

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Aiphanes macroloba is an evergreen palm growing up to 3 metres tall. The plant produces a cluster of 1 - 3, unbranched stems 2 - 3cm in diameter; these are sparsely covered with black spines up to 3cm long; often with suckers high on the stem; and topped with a crown of 5 - 8 leaves[ 768 Title Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas Publication Author Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. Publisher Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. Year 1995 ISBN 0-691-08537-4 Description An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos. ]. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible palm heart.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeS. America - Ecuador, Colombia.

HabitatPremontane to montane rain forest, usually at elevations from 600 - 1,400 metres, occasionally descending to 100 metres[ 768 Title Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas Publication Author Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. Publisher Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. Year 1995 ISBN 0-691-08537-4 Description An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos. ]. Typical of shady and humid areas of the forest, the plant does not survive deforestation[ 768 Title Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas Publication Author Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. Publisher Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. Year 1995 ISBN 0-691-08537-4 Description An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos. ].