Syagrus campylospatha

Syagrus (see-AHG-ruhs) campylospatha (Kahm-PEE-lohs-pah-tha)
Farm Muricy - Machado - MG - Photo: Mauricio Caixeta.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Syagrus (see-AHG-ruhs) Species: campylospatha (Kahm-PEE-lohs-pah-tha)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Paraguay. Open areas in grassy zones, of central Paraguay savannahs or scrub,

Farm Muricy - Machado - MG - Photo: Mauricio Caixeta.

usually on rocky and sandy soils, in full sun, at low elevations.

Description

Palm, to 3 metres tall. The plant forms a small cluster of un-branched stems which are usually subterranean (acaulescent), but can occasionally be up to 1.5 metres tall above ground. These stems are topped by a crown of erect, light grey/blue leaves, that can be up to 1.5 metres long. The yellowish, ellipsoid fruit can be 2 cm long and 1 cm wide. Editing by edric.

Culture

A plant of the subtropics to the tropics. It is likely to have a good resistance to moderate frosts. Grows best in full sun. Found in the wild in rocky and sandy soils. The plants method of growth, with its underground stem, is a likely adaptation to fire and organically poor soils. The plant would be likely to build a small trunk and longer leaves, if given better conditions of growth; a position in semi-shade, a little more water, and a little more food. (Gaston Torres Vera)

Comments and Curiosities

Uses: The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible fruit. Fruit is consumed raw, considered delicious, like orange. The leaves are utilized locally, more than likely for weaving, and thatch. (Gaston Torres Vera)

This is one of the Gulliver`s country (Lilliput) palms. Paraguay, where most of the palms are without visible trunk, e.g. Acrocomias, Attaleas, Butias, Syagrus, all with subterranean (acaulescent) stem, a likely adaptation to fire, and organically poor soils. Unknown in cultivation, probably have good tolerance to freezes and would build a small trunk and longer leaves if good conditions of growth and semi-shade. Is one of the southermost Syagrus after S. romanzoffiana. The species is endangered. Reproduction is by seeds. (Gaston Torres Vera)

This adorable dwarf palm is found south of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and in the east-central Paraguay, where it grows on sandy soils. It forms small colonies shoots straight with leaves of a gray-green of approximately 1.5 m high, with narrow and steep leaflets. Its relatively large seeds are popular with small rodents and rarely available. (RPS.com)