This taxon is not universally accepted, with some authorities seeing it as no more than a synonym of Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. Ex Mart.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Acrocomia media is a very spiny, evergreen palm; it can grow up to 12 metres tall. The unbranched, straight stem is 20 - 30cm in diameter, topped by a crown of long leaves, each up to 4 metres long[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food and materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Leeward Islands to Puerto Rico.

Habitat

Fields and woodlands in the coastal forest regions, and in moist limestone areas in Puerto Rico[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant can flower and produce fruit nearly all year round[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[]. The flavour resembles coconuts[]. Rich in oil[].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[].


This species is closely related to Acrosmia aculeata, and is seen as no more than a synonym for that species by some authorities. It is extremely likely, therefore, that this plant has the same uses as Acrosmia aculeata[]. These uses are detailed below:-

A starch can be obtained from the pith of the trunk and from the roots[, ].
The pith of the trunk can be fermented to produce an alcoholic drink[].

Fruit - cooked[]. Rich in oil, it can be quite bitter[]. The yellowish pulp is fibrous, mucilaginous and slightly sweet[]. The sweet, pulpy portion of the fruit is eaten raw[]. Eaten in times of scarcity[].

Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. The apical bud, known as a 'palm heart' is eaten[]. If the apical bud is removed, then the tree is condemned to a slow death since it is unable to produce side branches[].

Medicinal

This species is closely related to Acrosmia aculeata, and is seen as no more than a synonym for that species by some authorities. It is extremely likely, therefore, that this plant has the same uses as Acrosmia aculeata[]. These uses are detailed below:-

The roots are used medicinally[].

Other Uses

Most of the stem is soft and pithy, but the outside portion is very hard and durable, with attractive black markings. It has been used for flooring, and can also be cut into walking sticks[].


This species is closely related to Acrosmia aculeata, and is seen as no more than a synonym for that species by some authorities. It is extremely likely, therefore, that this plant has the same uses as Acrosmia aculeata[]. These uses are detailed below:-

A useful twine can be obtained from the leaves by tearing strips of the desired width from the leaflets[].
A good quality fibre is obtained from the leaves. Very strong, it is used to make ropes and cordage[].

A high quality oil can be obtained from the seed kernel[]. It can be used for making soap[].
Another oil can be obtained from the pulp of the fruit[]. It is used for making soap[].

The very hard endocarp that encloses the seed can be cut into rings or carved and pierced for use as rosary beads[]. It is also used for making jewellery and buttons[].

Propagation

Seed -

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