Bactris gasipaes

Chontaduro, Peach-palm, Pejibaye, Pejivalle

Bactris gasipaes Kunth. (=Pyrenoglyphis gasipaes).

A tall oil palm which probably originated in Peru. Many species are found in Colombia. The wood (chonta) was a traditional material used by the Amerindians for bows, blowpipes, darts, spears, etc. Also used for tool handles but prone to split.

The fruit is sold for human consumption and reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. Now cultivated as a commercial oilseed.

The oilmeal is low in essential amino acids, particularly methionine. The main lipid component is free fatty acids with smaller amounts of triglycerides and phospholipids. The meal is high in oleic and palmitic acids and adequate in linoleic acid.