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attalea palm

Scientific Name: Attalea

Family: Arecaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

About the Genus Attalea

Attalea is a large genus of palms found in various parts of the Americas.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that Attalea are non-spiny, however the genus includes many species and some may have characteristics that could pose a risk to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Young leaves of *Attalea butyracea* are collected and harvested. While the text doesn't specify any risks, it's worth noting this interaction for consideration, especially if children might be involved in harvesting or interacting with the plant.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Attalea Kunth
  • Common Names: Includes American Oil Palm. Specific species have additional common names.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Arecaceae / Palmae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Some species were formerly included in the genus Scheelea and Orbignya.
  • Orbignya speciosa Barb. Rodr. =Attalea speciosa Mart.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
  • Specific species are found in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Haiti.

Ecological Role

  • The Piassava Palm (Attalea funifera) is facultatively restricted to sandy spodosols.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Pinnately leaved.
  • Life forms vary from small acaulescent palms to tall and massive solitary palms.
  • Stems can reach up to 20 meters tall and 60 cm in diameter, ringed with leaf scars.
  • Leaves are pinnate, reduplicate, and can grow up to 10 meters long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Rhodnius robustus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) inhabit Attalea palm trees in the Tapajós River Region.
  • Attalea palm fruits are favored by many frugivores.
  • Hyacinth Macaws feed on Attalea palm nuts.
  • The beetle *Pachymerus cardo* is a seed predator of *Attalea maripa.*

Quirky Facts

  • Juvenile cohune palms fronds seem to erupt right out of the ground like a volcano!
  • In a BCI frugivores poll, Attalea palm fruit was preferred over Astrocaryum palms.

Further Information

  • Royal Botanic Gardens.
  • International Palm Society.
  • Palm Specialist Group.