Palms   Attalea cuatrecasana

Synonymy:
Orbignya cuatrecasana

Common Names:
Taparo palm

Distribution:
The taparo palm is endemic to the Choco region of Colombia.

Habitat:
Rainforest

Description:
Attalea cuatrecasana has a short subterranean stem and large upright leaves to 6 meters tall. It has fruits up to 14cm. long by 10cm in diameter, and the largest palm seeds in the palm family after the double coconut ( Lodoicea maldivica ) and the coconut ( Cocos nucifera ).

General:
The endosperm is eaten by the locals, as it is similar in taste and texture to the coconut.

Culture:
Lightly shaded, moist, well drained position.

Figure 1. A. cuatrecasana taken in the forested wetlands of
the San Juan River Mouth, Choco-Valle border, Columbia.

Contributed by:

Michael Calonje, Collectors Seeds (Text and Figure 1)

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