Common Name: Quito Palm

General Information

Parajubaea cocoides is an evergreen, single-stemmed palm tree that can grow up to 16 metres tall. The unbranched stem can be 27 - 45cm in diameter; it is topped by a crown of 20 - 30 large leaves[].
The tree is only known in cultivation, being valued especially for its seed, which is consumed locally. It is often grown in parks and large gardens as an ornamental outside its native range[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Found in cultivation only, in dry, humid valleys at elevations from 2,000 - 3,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

A plant of high elevations in the tropics, usually above 2,000 metres. Plants experience sub-zero temperatures in their native range and it should therefore be possible to grow them in warm temperate zones that only experience occasional light frosts[]. They probably require a cool summer and quickly lose vigour in areas where night temperatures do not fall below 13°c[].
Mature plants require a sunny, sheltered position, but young plants appreciate some protection from the brightest sun[, ]. Grows best in a light, well-drained soil but with plenty of water in the growing season[, ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
This species has a deep penetrating root system and generally establishes best when planted out at a young stage. It is not suitable for container cultivation[]. Older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants[], so if the plants can be protected from frosts in their earlier years it might be possible to grow them in areas at the limit of their cold tolerance.
Plants are relatively fast-growing for a palm and can produce fruit in 4 years from seed[]. Trees are deep rooted[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, ]. A sweet taste, it is a very popular food locally, especially with children[, ]. The seed is about 2cm long[].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in a warm greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. It usually germinates freely. Stored seed is more difficult to germinate, it should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water before sowing in a warm greenhouse. The seedlings quickly send down a large taproot and so need to be in deep pots[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into deep, individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Traditionally, the seeds are allowed to dry completely for a couple of months in a cool, dry place. They are then planted on top of a loose, moist soil mix, under a 5 - 8cm blanket of moist sphagnum in a place which is cool at night and warm in the day. This helps with oxygen exchange in and out of the seed coat, which breaks down natural growth inhibitors in the seed. Germination can begin within a few weeks[].
If the seeds do not germinate within a few months, store them dry again for a few months in a cool, dry place. Then soak them for 7 days in warm water and resow[].
When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.