Vegetable Ivory
Phytelephas macrocarpa
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Pl. 18E7 — Phytelephas macrocarpa
Phytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpaPhytelephas macrocarpa
IOverview
Overview
Vegetable Ivory, scientifically known as Phytelephas macrocarpa, is a palm tree native to the tropical regions of Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Panamá, and Peru. This plant thrives in full sun and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It can grow up to 3.5 meters tall and is valued for its edible parts, which include the apical bud, fruit, and seed. Known for its historical use as a substitute for ivory due to its hard, white inner bark, Vegetable Ivory has been appreciated not only for its ornamental value but also for its culinary uses in traditional dishes.
Quick answers
What is Vegetable Ivory?
Vegetable Ivory, scientifically known as Phytelephas macrocarpa, is a palm tree native to the tropical regions of Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Panamá, and Peru. This plant thrives in full sun and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Vegetable Ivory (Phytelephas macrocarpa) thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a temperature range of 10-12. This plant grows to about 3.5 meters tall and produces edible parts including the apical bud, fruit, and seed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
3.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Vegetable Ivory for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun spot in your garden for Vegetable Ivory.
- 1
What you'll need
Vegetable Ivory seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade if direct sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 6-8 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest apical buds, fruits, and seeds as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular fertilization.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Apical budFruitSeed
Edible uses: Coffee, Drink
Other uses:Weaving materialCraftingLightingtextilesFire starter
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native· 1 introduced
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaColombiaPeru
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Panamá
introduced:Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 18e72061-1dad-4160-b23a-cf77eef0aac5
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