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peach palm

Scientific Name: Bactris gasipaes

Family: Arecaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Peach Palm (Bactris gasipaes)

The peach palm, scientifically known as Bactris gasipaes, is considered one of the most important domesticated palm species in the Neotropics. It is a multi-purpose palm tree native to tropical Latin America, predominantly cultivated by smallholders.

Considerations for Pets

  • The peach palm is described as a tropical spiny palm, with tall stems.
  • The ingenuity of Yanomamo technology is revealed in the climbing frame used to scale the spiny trunk of the peach palm tree.

Scientific Name and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bactris gasipaes Kunth
  • Family: Arecaceae (also known as Palmae)
  • Synonyms:
    • B. speciosa Karst.
    • Guilielma gasipaes L.H. Bailey
    • G. speciosa Mart.
    • G. utilis Orst.
    • Guilelma gasipaes (H.B.K) Bailey

Common Names

  • English: Peach Palm, Peyibay(e)
  • Spanish: Pejibaye, Pejivalle, Piva, Cachipay, Bobi, Cachipaes, Chontaduro, Pijuayo

Distribution and Habitat

  • The peach palm is native to tropical Latin America.
  • It is found in Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.
  • Wild and domesticated populations can be found in Central America.
  • It is cultivated from Costa Rica to Brazil and Bolivia in wet and low zones.
  • Peach palms are also grown in Hawaii.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The peach palm grows as a cluster in warm climatic conditions.
  • Compared to the coconut palm, the peach palm stem is smaller and produces tiny fruits.
  • It is a feather-leaved palm.
  • The peach palm has very spiny, tall stems.

Uses and Cultural Significance

  • When the Spanish explorers reached the shores of Costa Rica, the peach palm was the most important crop used by the native peoples.
  • It is widely cultivated in the New World tropics for its edible fruit and palm hearts.
  • The edible nut of the peach palm is grown extensively from Central America.
  • The fruit is often boiled or processed into a variety of foods and drinks.
  • It continues to be a highly desired fruit in pre-Columbian America, due to its high nutritional value and exquisite fragrance and flavor.

Resources and Further Information

  • International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)
  • Dave's Garden
  • Dictionary.com Unabridged