Caroline Ivory Nut Palm

Metroxylon amicarum

Physical Characteristics

Metroxylon amicarum is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

West Pacific - Caroline Islands.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Apical bud Seed Stem Edible Uses: Sago is sometimes prepared from the pith of this tree. It is said to keep well and not to be injured by salt water[459 ]. It is considered a valuable food to take on canoe journeys[459 ]. Not as productive as the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), it is more likely to be viewed as an emergency food[312 ]. The apical meristems or palm hearts are large and soft. The trees may be harvested prior to maturation exclusively for this purpose, with the meristem and several feet of the immature leaves being used. These palm hearts are used locally or are sold in local markets. They are eaten raw as a vegetable or cooked with other foods, often in curries[312 ]. Harvesting the palm heart leads to the death of the tree since it is unable to produce side branches[K ]. Immature seeds are sometimes eaten by children[312 ].

Medicinal Uses

The roots, young leaves, and stem cork are used for traditional medicine[312 ].

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling