Acrocomia aculeata

Common names

Spincy Royal Palm, Macauba Palm, Grugru Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves are used to make carpets, curtains and hats. The apical bud can be eaten. In Honduras, plants are cut down to extract a sweet syrup, which is fermented into an alcoholic drink called palm wine. Oil can be extracted from seeds.

Origin

One of the more extended palms, from Mexico to Argentina, through Brazil, Paraguay and West Indies.

Habitat

Bushy steppes and degraded forests. Generally, in areas of high seasonal rain. From small altitudes to 1200 meters in the Andes.

Morphology

Ten to 30 grey-green pinnate leaves, with a whitish underside. The leaflets are arranged in different ranks giving to the plant a feathery appearance. The flowers are unisexual, but both male and female flowers are found in a same inflorescence. Fruits have a smooth surface, and are green-yellowish when ripe. Very hard seed.

Climate

Tropical to warm temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to -3,9ºC (25ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Seed germination is usually slow and difficult. It is recommended to make a cut on the seed cover (without damaging the inside) and to keep seeds in warm water.

Growing

Not recommended for gardens, since it has many spines that encircle the trunk.