Tropical Plant "American oil palm"
Orbignya phalerata

Characteristics – The American oil palm is not a cultivated fruit bearer, although abundant in nature, native to all of northern Brazil, Paiui and Mato Grosso, it is found in the dry land forests and open areas. It is a solitary palm, robust, 10-30 m tall. Pinnate leaves, numerous, 5-7 m long, with 175-260 pinnae regularly distributed and arranged on the same plane. Inflorescences interfoliar, branched and very large, with male and female arranged on the same plant, having small, yellow flowers. The fruit has a dry, farinaceous mesocarp, woody endocarp; inside of it, are the oily seeds (nuts) with are edible.

Uses – The nuts are consumed in their natural state, as well as having their oil extracted, creating an important economic activity. The mesocarp is eaten cooked.

Propagation – Propagated by seeds.