About Astrocaryum mexicanum Liebm. ex Mart.
Astrocaryum mexicanum, commonly known as chocho palm, cohune palm, or chapay, is a cocosoid palm species belonging to the Arecaceae family. It is native to Mexico and parts of Central America. As a palm, it has an exceptionally long lifespan, reaching up to 140 years. Local communities harvest its young inflorescences, seeds, and hearts for use as food. This plant is covered in stout spines, is hardy to USDA zone 10a, and is occasionally grown as an ornamental in regions including Hawaii and Southern California.
