Attalea dubia

Common names

Bacuau Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves are used to make hats, umbrellas and baskets.

Origin

Atlantic coast of Brazil.

Habitat

Low rainforest, thrives in deforested areas.

Morphology

The trunk reaches 5-7 m of height and around 25 cm of diameter. The leaflets are arranged in different planes. Fruits are oblong, around 6 cm long, and contain one or two seeds.

Climate

Tropical.

Germination

It is advised to make a cut with a saw in the hard seed cover, without damaging the endocarp, so that water can easily enter the seed, speeding up germination.

Growing

Needs a sunny, moist, but well-drained position in rich soil. Will handle tropical thru to temperate climates, but it probably isn't frost tolerant.