Tropical Plant "Inaja"
Maximiliana maripa

Characteristics – Maximiliana maripa is not cultivated but is abundant in nature. Native to all the Amazon region and Mato Grosso do Sul, it is found in dry land forest and open areas. It is a solitary palm, 7-24 m tall. The caulis is ringed when young, the diameter 20-40 cm, it lacks a crownshaft at the apex. Leaves are pinnate, plumose, more than 4 m long, with 120-260 pinnae on each side. Inflorescences interfoliar and multi-branched. Fruits have a succulent, aromatic, almost fiberless mesocarp (pulp) with a sweet, pleasant flavor.

Uses – The fruits are consumed ‘au naturel’ and enjoyed through all the Amazon region. The are commercialized in street markets and other markets of regional towns.

Propagation – Propagated exclusively by seeds.