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acrocomia

Scientific Name: Acrocomia

Family: Arecaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acrocomia: A Neotropical Palm Genus

Acrocomia is a genus of palms native to the Neotropics, encompassing a range from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean, and extending into South America.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Acrocomia species, such as Acrocomia totai, are noted to be covered with spines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Acrocomia
  • Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)
  • Subfamily: Arecoideae
  • Tribe: Cocoeae
  • Subtribe: Bactridinae

Species within Acrocomia

  • Acrocomia aculeata: A widespread palm found in tropical regions of the Americas. Synonyms include Acrocomia sclerocarpa Mart., Acrocomia lasiospatha Mart., and possibly Acrocomia media, and Acrocomia mexicana. Common names include Gru-gru palm, though this name may also be applied to Acrocomia totai.
  • Acrocomia crispa: Native to Cuba, also known as Gastrococos crispa (historical name).
  • Acrocomia totai: Found in sandy soils of lowlands in northern Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Often referred to as Gru-gru palm.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Acrocomia is native to the Neotropics.
  • Acrocomia aculeata is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from southern Mexico and the Caribbean south to Paraguay and northern Argentina.
  • Acrocomia totai is found in sandy soils of lowlands (pampas) of northern Argentina.
  • Acrocomia crispa is native to Cuba.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Acrocomia media is a pinnately leaved palm with a solitary, stout stem, typically reaching 8 to 10 meters in height, but occasionally up to 15 meters.
  • Acrocomia totai has a spiny trunk.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Speciomerus revoili bruchid beetles have been observed to lay eggs and predate on the fruits and seeds of Acrocomia aculeata.
  • Seed predation by Pachymerus cardo can significantly impact Acrocomia aculeata populations.

Quirky Facts

  • Wine is made from the gru gru palm (Acrocomia) in America.

Further Information

  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany holds collections of Acrocomia.