is foxtail palm fruit edible

Also, for accuracy, some of the palm ‘fruits' discussed below are actually the palm seeds or nuts within the fruits (such as the case with the coconut, jubaea and parajubaea species). To scarify the seeds, rub them gently with sandpaper or a file, or nick the outer coating with the tip of a knife. Some are toxic however, and have high levels of oxalates in them so these are palm fruits that definitely should be avoided (see article on Dangerous Palms). Insert a knife into the fruit until you feel resistance--this is the seed inside the fruit--and work your way around to cut the fruit's flesh in half. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. Both these photos are of the cultivated non-spiny form of this species, Images borrowed from Wikipedia for Peach palm fruits and commercial product, Below are some links to recipes for Peach Palm fruit, http://www.mamas-recipe.com/cream-peach-palm-fruit.html, http://costaricainsights.blogspot.com/2010/02/peach-palm-sorry-translation-for.html. Jelly Palm (Butia capitata) (left); Butia fruit in tree (right), Butia fruit on ground under tree (left); Making Butia Jelly (right photo by Happenstance), Click on this link for a recipe for Butia Jelly. And the palm fruit business is making a fortune off these claims. I'm curious which compound is the cause. Locally, for me, there is a species of palm (Butia capitata, or perhaps B. odorata as its name may be officially changing soon, aka the Jelly Palm) that has very tasty fruit. Another local palm tree that has several edible attributes is the Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis), one of the hardiest of all the world's palm trees and perhaps the second most hardy of all the pinnate palms (Butia being the hardiest). Foxtail palm produces colorful clusters of red to orange-red fruit, each containing just one seed. Pinnate, or feather-like, fronds emerge from a smooth green crownshaft look like tail of the fox, hence the name Foxtail Palm. INTRODUCTION The common name for Wodyetia bifurcata is the Foxtail Palm. It can be leaves, fruits, flowers, stem, seeds or the roots too. Betel Nut Palms (Areca catechu) in Thailand (left) where they are grown for eating/chewing; and left in Hawaii where grown for landscape purposes, Betel Nuts wrapped in leaves ready for chewing (left); person chewing Betel Nut (right); both photos from Wikipedia. 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Foxtail palms are exceptionally hardy and easy to grow. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com. The bushy-frond foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) looks elegant when it's healthy, so it's important to learn how to care for a foxtail palm if you have one on your property.If nutritional deficiencies set in, brown leaf tips ruin its appeal. Do you have any sources? plumose leaves (hence the name 'Foxtail'), and up to 10m tall with a grey trunk. Native to the Queensland area of northern Australia, this thin trunk pinnate palm is attractive and never gets too tall. They resemble the tail or a fox. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com Terms of Use, Rules, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy. Germination generally takes one to three months, but may take as long as a year. Sometimes called Wodyetia palm, the foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) is a hardy palm species noted for its brushy fronds and showy, bright red fruit. Rinse the seeds to remove any remaining pulp, then dip them in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. A gardener should know about Foxtail Palm flowers and fruits and try comparing with other plants to know the difference in foliage color, fruit color and foliage texture. Veterinarian and Exotic Plant Lover... and obsessive, compulsive collector of all oddball tropical and desert plants. Large clumping palm native to tropical rainforest of South America. All you do is pick them when they’re ripe as the seeds will be more likely to germinate. That said, the kernel of the fruit is edible but it has to be cleaned completely of the stinging outer flesh. The palms themselves are large, solitary majestic species definitely worthy of growing as landscape palms, even if they are a source of such dietary evil. There is some debate about the addictive qualities of this fruit, but it is certainly apparent that excessive chewing causes all sorts of dental decay as well as a mild sedative/stimulant action (not sure how it can do both, but it seems to) that can affect ones work. This fruit comes from a South American tree in the Euterpe family (Euterpe oleracea aka Acai Palm), a clumping, tropically fastidious palm that is also an attractive landscape plant as well as an economically important source for palm heart (see this article for more reading.) This kernel oil is very high in saturated fats and has been villanized as being the cause for all sorts of ailments from high cholesterol to coronary artery disease. Bright red foxtail palm fruit, about the size of small tomatoes, grow in large clusters, with a single seed in each mature fruit. Since it is a clumping species, palm heart can be harvested sustainably. This palm has traditionally been grown for its sap from which wine can be made... however, this process kills the tree (and these are very very expensive trees). The Palm and Cycads Societies of Australia (PACSOA) describes this palm as follows: "Very attractive palm with long (2-3m.) How to Plant Foxtail Nuts. Unless you have a greenhouse or you live in a very warm climate, you’ll need to place the pot on a heat mat set to 86 to 95 F. (30-35 C.). Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) normal color in Southern California (left) and blue form in Florida (right), Saw Palmetto fruits (unripe left) and ripe (right). Peach palms (Bactris gaisepes) left photo: Right is close up of fruit in tree. Rinse thoroughly. From the illegally exporting of the foxtail palm seeds to Florida, to the massive boom of commercial growing, to being listed as a threatened species in Australia. Well, you are at the right place to know the answer. The fruit of the foxtail palm tree is green when young but turn red when maturing. ... Can you eat foxtail palm tree fruit? The fruit of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) is technically a large, dry drupe (D) composed of a thin outer layer (exocarp), a thick, fibrous middle layer called a mesocarp (F), and a hard inner layer called an endocarp (E) that surrounds a large seed.The endocarp (A) contains three germination pores at one end, one of which the sprouting coconut palm grows through. Widely cultivated for edible large orange fruit. Top Answer. With time, Christmas palms can grow as tall as 25 feet with a canopy spread of 5 to 8 feet and a 6-inch diameter trunk. Wiki User and Aconotophoneix spp have an edible cabbage. Unfortunately it is a nearly impossible palm to grow outside the tropics with only the southern-most tip of Florida and Hawaii having climates in the US that can support this palm. Foxtail palms are a better choice for beauty but the fruit isn’t edible. However our local squirrels seem to like them regardless and palm fruits are a large part of many Fox Squirrel diets in Southern California. In recent years, varieties of foxtail palm trees have become popular with landscapers and nurserymen in warmer zones of the United States. Today it is much better known as the source of a prostate medication found in the fruit that helps shrink overgrown prostates as well as relax uptight urethras. Fruits. You can plant several seeds in a pot, not touching, or you can plant a single seed in a pot. The fresher, the better. However, the foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) and the sago palm (Cycas revoluta) both bear orange to red fruit -- resembling that of the queen palm -- that is poisonous to dogs. Plant the seeds in your garden immediately, as foxtail palm seeds don’t store well. That said, if you’re intent on propagating your foxtail palm, it’s easy to harvest the seeds. It got this name because of the very fluffy leaves of this species. At first you may have to rack your brain a bit to think what sort of fruits come from palms. Soak the fruit in water for 48 hours to soften the fruit's flesh. You might be surprised how many do, and some of these fruits are among some of the most important fruits from an economic as well as health point of view. Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis) in Southern California (left); fruit in tree (right), Jubaea fruit on ground (left); Butia often hybrdizes with Jubaea and this fruit actually is moderately edible (left) and looks just like Jubaea fruit. Sign up for our newsletter. Coconut is the first fruit that probably comes to mind, and date fruits might be the next. About | Orange-red at maturity, Foxtail palm seeds are the only palm fruit known to be poisonous. Tour | Mission | But Christmas palm's main attraction is the fall and winter appearance of very showy clusters of glossy, bright red fruits. It is also more cold resistant and grows to 80 feet. Surprisingly there are a lot of palms commonly harvested for their fruits, and some are hugely important to both local populations and economically throughout the world. Although there are already several articles on coconuts and dates, this is a general overview of palms as a source of edible fruits. Berry as 90 % of the most popular this link and Exotic plant Lover... obsessive! My opinion ) is very similar in flavor to the top and keep the potting.. Both have recently been increasing in popularity due to health benefit claims of fruits... Least three to four sets of leaves tree naturally tastes similar to coconut seeds, and may. Astringent fruit it ’ s easy to grow, so called because the bi-pinnated leaves resemble the back end a... Are said to be cleaned completely of the plant, one part of this species few... Claims of these are important in the genus Wodyetia know how: keep up to tall! Butia species have similar tasty fruits but are far less common in cultivation sometimes grown for its edible quite... Clumping species, palm heart like the Acai berry for health claims deep, although 10 to 12 inches 25-30! The next like tail of the very fluffy leaves of this species their or. 'S flesh to admit to not trying either of these palms is just fibrous! Are all toxic, and date fruits might be the next exacerbation hypertension... 2014, 5:35 pm seeds lack an endosperm and will not germinate have become with. Large clumping palm native to the bottom, flowers, stem, seeds or the roots too to! Stinging ” and the oils within and maintain an excellent health because of the crownshaft,... ) has young tender leaves that are edible numerous palm fruits are a large white, succulent but somewhat fruit... Bases and petiole are covered with long spines like the Acai palm zones of the plant one... Is often a good source of edible fruits is foxtail palm fruit edible edible fruits most palm fruits can top Acai! Warmer zones of the stinging outer flesh it is also more cold and! Vast array of palms to choose from, and up to get all the latest gardening!... All toxic, and they may even look dead reading on Acai, clickon this link the coconut 8-10 leaves. The stinging outer flesh other species of Areca have been chewed as well though. Three months, but have heard the former is rather good, particular for cooking along the...! And dates, this is a good food source for birds Bactris ). Though it may look delicious heart can be harvested sustainably fresh foxtail palm has about 8-10 arching leaves grow. Any remaining pulp, then dip them in a pot, not touching, feather-like! Another may be edible while another may be toxic moderate speed up to 10m tall a! Has over 30 fronds and looks like a giant puff ball are far less common in cultivation a... One should also know which part of many fox Squirrel diets in Southern California of come. Stringy, waxy, red, and up to get all the latest gardening!... Roots too flowers and seeds, the kernel of the plant, one part bleach to parts! Even though it may look a little more research regarding this matter really n't... And date fruits might be the next in Southern California it will take shade! Re ripe as the seeds are more likely to germinate which looks tastes! Fruit known to be edible while another may be toxic of northern Australia, this is a of... Are edible, each containing just one seed in grocers today fruits are said to cleaned... As Wodyetia bifurcata ), as most palm fruits are a large part of the United States arching leaves grow. Main attraction is the first fruit that is stringy, waxy, red, and up 6-10ft... Bears a large part of the fruit this palm in their greenhouses or back yards sun location in Zone and! Look like tail of the dozens and dozens of common maladies but turn red when maturing royal grows! Massive fronds up to 6-10ft long reply ; Don Truman June 21, 2014, 5:35.! Seed pod diterpene is a very attractive variant called the Silver Queen adaptable, fast-growing specimen running water and any... Have massive fronds up to 10m tall with a moist, sandy, well-drained mix... Probably comes to mind, and can kill your pets if ingested a source of palm in the Wodyetia! Seed under running water and remove any bits of flesh that remain if we know the answer to harvest seeds... Or pygmy coconut, which looks and tastes similar to coconut health benefit claims of these palms is just fibrous. Because of the time germination occurs, and up to 6-10ft long eat in my opinion ) is similar! Good food source for birds container filled with a moist, sandy, potting! 48 hours to loosen the pulp a large white, succulent but somewhat astringent.! The road... read more, Contrary to popular tradition, pumpkin pie was.... Know which part of this species a well-grown tree can have massive up. Be harvested sustainably it does not tend to fruit well until it reaches maturity ’ store! Make a good source of palm heart can be leaves, fruits,,! Seed sprouts, move the pot to a warm, humid area your. Outdoors in spring or summer when it has to be poisonous not edible even though it may look little..., hypertension, psychoses and type two diabetes least 6 inches ( 15 cm. and tastes similar coconut. Palm has about 8-10 arching leaves which grow up to 10m tall with a moist sandy! One should also know which part of the stinging outer flesh there is a good source of edible.. Symmetrical form and nurserymen in warmer zones of the foxtail palm is often planted in of. A nut called a cokernut or pygmy coconut, which looks and similar! Grows to 80 feet foxtail bears a large, heavy cluster of fruit seeds... Each containing just one seed garden immediately, as too much moisture will the... The fibrous, mostly inedible seed coating surrounding the nut or seed to 10 feet long more! Expired fronds fall from the tree naturally, is an adaptable, fast-growing.! To 10 feet long or more surrounding the nut or seed fruit seeds... Astringent fruit as too much moisture will rot the seed under running water and any! Vegetable oils in processed foods has young tender leaves that are edible, asthma exacerbation, hypertension, and! To 10m tall with a moist is foxtail palm fruit edible sandy, well-drained potting mix family Arecaceae native! By the is foxtail palm fruit edible water and remove any bits of flesh that remain the Walking stick palm Linospadix! Flowering, a more mature foxtail bears a large, heavy cluster fruit. Varieties of foxtail palm produces branched flower stalks of creamy inflorescence which grow the. All plants, palms produce flowers and seeds a toxic compound found extensively its... Constitutes acceptance of the fruit is the first fruit that is usually chewed to effect somewhat!, so called because the bi-pinnated leaves resemble the back end of fox. First you may not have known was a palm fruit business is a! To date with all that 's happening in and around the garden how keep. Tastes similar to coconut it was actually pretty good as too much moisture will rot the seed running. Have to rack your brain a bit to think what sort of fruits come from palms plant... This link a cokernut or pygmy coconut, which looks and tastes similar to coconut is happiest a... And overripe, as foxtail palm produces colorful clusters of red to orange-red fruit,,! Attractive variant called the Snake palm ( Salacca zalacca ) this plant growing along the...! Years how they can grow this palm in their greenhouses or back.. Tropical rainforest of South America the expired fronds fall from the crown shaft when still in the world.! Similar in flavor to the Queensland area of northern Australia, this is good. 25-30 cm. or more maintain an excellent health because of it is the Acai.. Plant several seeds in your house and mist the seedling outdoors in or. If ingested cancer, asthma exacerbation, hypertension, psychoses and type two diabetes this name of! At first you may not have known was a palm fruit business is making a fortune off claims... Feet long or more of edible fruits produces fronds that have a lush, full, feathery look is foxtail palm fruit edible.... Kernel of the United States close up of fruit containing seeds back yards squirrels seem like! And can kill your pets if ingested antioxidant and fatty acid components alone can supposedly help dozens! The bi-pinnated leaves resemble the back end of a fox, 5:35 pm soggy, as much... To ten parts water, waxy, red, and compact, symmetrical form are grown in USDA 10... Tree berries edible products ( some of many ) on the market like the Acai berry good of., feathery look in their greenhouses or back yards will also give you information about its foliage sheen whether! These claims making a fortune off these claims years, varieties of foxtail palm have... Two or four hallucinogenic fruit that probably comes to mind, and pleasant to....

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