Açaí Palm

An açaí palm, or aqai, is one of several species of palm tree in the genus Euterpe cultivated for their fruit and superior hearts of palm. The species Euterpe oleracea is usually called Açaí Palm, after the European adaptation of the Tupian word ïwasa'i, '[fruit that] cries or expels water'. Global demand for the fruit has expanded rapidly in recent years, and açaí is now cultivated for that purpose primarily. The closely-related species Euterpe edulis (jucara) is now predominantly used for hearts of palm.
Eight species are native to Central and South America, from Belize southward to Brazil and Peru, growing mainly in swamps and floodplains. Açaí palms are tall, slender palms growing to 15–30 meters, with pinnate leaves up to 3 meters long.
Several different parts of the acai palm tree are used by people. Clothing, drinks, food, building materials and weapons are just a few examples of the benefits that come from harvesting an acai palm tree. Nutritional benefits have been discovered by consuming the acai berry and is often marketed for this reason.
Many people living where the acai palm tree prominently grows have used the acai berry as part of their herbal medicine practices for years. Using the rind of the fruit in an infusion helps with skin ulcers while the oil helps treat diarrhea. The seeds are crushed and sometimes toasted before being used to lower a fever. Although it has virtually no nutritious value, the palm heart is eaten as a vegetable across the world and enjoyed for its taste.