Peach palm tree, Pupunha

This tree is grown for its fruit, which plays an important role in the diet of local inhabitants. A popular beverage, known as mazato, is prepared from the cooked fruit. Historically, the Indians used it in their rituals and ceremonies. The shoots are eaten in salads. The palm hearts, or the pith of the stem, are also eaten. It is also valued for its oil, and its very dense wood is used in walls and floors.