PHYTELEPHAS AEQUATORIALIS (ARECACEAE) IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL NUTRITION

Field observations revealed the consumption of several parts of the vegetable ivory (''tagua'') palm not previously reported to be eaten by humans or animals. The whole male inflorescence provides cattle with a fodder nutritionally similar to ryegrass, while the flower clusters provide humans with 102 Kcal/100g, about four times the caloric density of cauliflower or broccoli The central mesocarp is similar in composition and caloric density to other fruits and is a comparatively rich source of calcium (116 mg/100g), potassium (841 mg/100g) and zinc (1.3 mg/100g). The interior mesocarp, with 22% fat, is a high caloric density (288 Kcal/100g) fodder for chickens and is rich in linoleic acid (21%). The immature endosperm, eaten as a snack, is of negligible importance in human nutrition.