Coyoli Palm. Gru-Gru Palm, Macaw palm

Acrocomia aculeata

Physical Characteristics

Acrocomia aculeata is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Apical bud Fruit Inner bark Leaves Oil Root Seed Edible Uses: Oil A starch can be obtained from the pith of the trunk and from the roots[297 , 419 ]. The pith of the trunk can be fermented to produce an alcoholic drink[297 ]. Fruit - cooked[297 ]. Rich in oil, it can be quite bitter[297 ]. The yellowish pulp is fibrous, mucilaginous and slightly sweet[416 ]. The sweet, pulpy portion of the fruit is eaten raw[301 ]. Eaten in times of scarcity[46 ]. Seed - roasted[317 ]. A high quality oil can be obtained from the seed kernel[297 ]. When refined it can be used for cooking[46 , 317 ]. Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[317 ]. The apical bud, known as a 'palm heart' is eaten[763 ]. If the apical bud is removed, then the tree is condemned to a slow death since it is unable to produce side branches[K ].

Medicinal Uses

The roots are used medicinally[317 ].

Known Hazards

None known