Syagrus cocoides

Syagrus (see-AHG-ruhs) cocoides (koh-koh-EE-dehz)
Xingú, Brazil. Photo by André Cardoso.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Syagrus (see-AHG-ruhs) Species: cocoides (koh-koh-EE-dehz)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Jatá, Jatá-uva, Piririma.

Habitat and Distribution

Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil West-Central, Guyana. Open, rocky areas as well as rain forest, at low elevations. (Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas. by Dr's Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R.)

Photo by Mauricio Moreira Caixeta.

Description

Syagrus cocoides is a tall, solitary-stemmed palm, that can grow 1.3 - 9 metres tall. The usually unbranched stem is 6 - 10 cm in diameter, topped by a crown of 14 - 22 leaves each up to 4 metres long, on stems 1 - 3 metres long. (Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas. by Dr's Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R.)

"Feathery leaves ,very ornamental." (Mauricio Moreira Caixeta)

Culture

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10a

Comments and Curiosities

Edible Uses: The seed kernel is a source of pururima oil. We have no more information on the properties or uses of the oil - it is probably edible.

A highly ornamental, midsized palm with a very slender, solitary trunk, 2 to 9 m (7 to 30 ft.) tall and a dense crown of long, slightly plumose leaves with many narrow, arching leaflets. Native to rainforest and woodlands in northern Brazil, S. cocoides prefers a tropical or subtropical/warm temperate climate and can even handle an occasional light freeze. A beautiful, reliable, and very fast and easy growing palm that is suitable even for the small garden. It is still very rare in cultivation. (RPS.com)