Tropical Plant "Arikury palm"
Syagrus schizophylla

Characteristics - The arikury palm is a fruit bearer, occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. Native from Pernambuco to Bahia, it is commonly found in the coastal 'restinga' forests and along the beaches of the Atlantic coast. It is a solitary palm covered with persistent leaf bases, 2-4 m tall. Leaves are pinnate, arched, 2-3 m long, 8-25 concurrently. The margins of the petiole and sheath are covered in spines, with 18-45 pairs of pinnae uniformly distributed and arranged on a single plane. Inflorescences interfoliar with 18-32 rachises. Fruits have a fibre-succulent mesocarp with a pleasant, sweet flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state, mainly the mesocarp (pulp).

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.