Difference between revisions of "Acrocomia aculeata"

Revision as of 02:55, 14 May 2007

Acrocomia aculeata growing in Condovac La Costa Hotel at Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Large specimen, Trinidad, West Indies

Good job Luis. You are picking this up quickly. :) Please notice the format the other Palm Species Pages are in. Here is one example. D. decipiens We should try to have them all follow the same style. I certainly want to have the scientific details listed. So if we start on one page with taxonomy, we have to be prepared to do it to all of them. A big job, but one I would hope to eventually accomplish. It seems you know a lot about the scientific stuff and could really help in that area.

A common name section is also good. But we need to first make it interesting for all the new palm people with info on where it is from, and info on how and where it can be grown. The first question a lot of people want to know is, "Can I grow this palm?" Then, "how big does it get?" "Does it grow fast?" Etc. Then they will keep coming back for more and more info on palms when they first hear about them. Please add anything you wish. I was just trying to give you an idea of the outline we have been following.

note: to be finished

Habitat and Distribution

A. aculeata is an extremely widespread palm from tropical America. It's range begins in eastern Brazil, and extends north through Venezuela, Colombia, and Central America. Cuba and the other Carribean Islands also provide habitat for this variable species. It has been speculated that such a broad range was assisted by the migrations and cultures of the prodigous prehistoric peoples of this region.

Description

These impressive palms bear a superficial resemblance to the majestic Royal palm from a distance, due to it's size and attractive form. However on closer inspection, the copious spines on most forms, along with the plumose character of the leaves, give it's true identity away to even the relatively uninformed.

Culture

This palm can be very fast growing and surprisingly cold hardy. However, because this species is so variable, it's growth characteristics can be variable as well. It ia most common in open sunny areas, and is fairly drought tolerant. However, it makes a much more attractive specimen with adequate water. It is tolerant of many soils and conditions, but will not handle shady locations. One must be careful when planting such a vicious palm. As a juvenile, with its sharp and plentiful spines, it can present a hazard to children and pets, not to mention, the well caring gardener.

Curiousities

At one time, due to the previously mentioned variabilty, there were 2 dozen described species. Today, according to who you recognize, there are as few as two. The uses of all parts of this palm would take several paragraphs to list, and would provide interesting reading.

Common names

Coyol [es][Costa Rica] Macaw Palm [en]