The Buriti tree in Maranhao State, northeastern Brazil, also known as Moriche Palm, Mauritia flexuosa, the Ite Palm or Ita, it is a palm tree and grows in and near swamps and other wet areas in tropical South America - the fruit is edible, has a high vitamin C content and used to make juice, jam, ice cream, and a fermented "wine". The inflorescence buds are eaten as a vegetable and the sap can be drunk fresh or fermented. Threads and cords are locally produced from the tree's fibers.