Images
by Alka Khare (Inserted by J.M.Garg) (For more photos & complete details, click
on the links)

/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Attalea%20speciosa_Jijamata%20Udyan1.JPG

 

 


Attalea speciosa (Babassu, Babassu palm, Babaçu, Cusi) is a palm native to the Amazon Rainforest region in South America. The Babassu palm is the predominant species in the Maranhão Babaçu forests of Maranhão and Piauí states.

This plant has commercial value because its seeds produce an edible oil called babassu oil, which is also used in cleaners and skin care products. The fruit is used to produce products such as medicines, beauty aids, and beverages. Traditional communities of the Maranhão region also produce a flour from the fruit and this is commercialized as a nutritional supplement. The leaves are also used to provide thatch for houses and can be woven into mats for constructing house walls. The stems are used for timbers. The Babassu palm is considered a weed in pasture areas of Cerrado vegetation in Brazil.
Its fruits and leaves are one of the main materials used by the artisans of Tocantins (Brazil) to manufacture different products [clarification needed] very popular with tourists.
Attalea speciosa is monoecious—male and female flowers are separate, but are borne by the same plant.[4] Pollination has been attributed both to insects and wind.[5] 
(From Wikipedia on 25.8.14)

 

Attached are pictures of Attalea speciosa captured at Jijamata Udyan in March 2014.
Requested to please validate the ID.