Arecaceae FAMILY

Astrocaryum sciophilum

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Astrocaryum sciophilum is an unbranched, single-stemmed, evergreen palm tree. The stems of young plants are usually subterranean, but in older plants it grows more above ground and can become 2 - 4 metres long, with some older specimens growing up to 12 metres long and 12 - 17cm in diameter. The stems are topped by a crown of 7 - 12 stiffly erect leaves that can each be up to 6.5 metres long including the petiolet[ 422 Title Fruits of the Guianan Flora Publication Author van Roosmalen. M.G.M. Publisher Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands. Year 1985 ISBN 90-9000988-4 Description Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat. , 768 Title Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas Publication Author Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. Publisher Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. Year 1995 ISBN 0-691-08537-4 Description An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos. , 1874 Title Astrocaryum (Palmae) in Amazonia. A Preliminary Treatment Publication Bull. Inst. Fr. Études Andines 1992, 21 (2): 459-531 Author Kahn F. & Millán B. Publisher Year 1992 ISBN Description ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use, and possibly also as a food.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeNorthern S. America - Brazil, the Guyanas.

HabitatUndergrowth of rainforests, often forming pure stands, at elevations up to 450 metres, but avoiding the coastal regions[ 422 Title Fruits of the Guianan Flora Publication Author van Roosmalen. M.G.M. Publisher Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands. Year 1985 ISBN 90-9000988-4 Description Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat. ]. Usually found in areas that are not subject to seasonal inundation[ 768 Title Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas Publication Author Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. Publisher Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. Year 1995 ISBN 0-691-08537-4 Description An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos. ].