Most palms tend to be known for their unique form, which usually features large, visually-attractive leaves. This is not so for the Ungurahua Palm (Oenocarpus bataua)! For many, the main draw of this plant is instead its black, olive-like fruits, which are especially popular in Brazil. These fruits have an oily flesh which can lend a chocolatey taste to food. Hence, fruits of the Ungurahua Palm are a commonly added ingredient to desserts such as ice cream and popsicles. Beyond tasting great, these fruits also contain a high amount of oleic acid, which is key in moisturising skin and hair and even treating dandruff. Now, who said chocolate cannot be healthy?

Learn more about this palm here!

(Photo credit: Vicky Lim Yen Ngoh)