Bactris campestris

<google>CH02</google> [[Image:

Bactris campestris
Help to make this reference box better by uploading a representative photo of this palm.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Bactris Species: campestris
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Brazil: mumbaca branca. Suriname: kiskismaka. Venezuela: cubarro, ibasabasa.

Habitat and Distribution

Brazil North, and Northeast, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Northeastern South America in eastern Colombia, (Caqueta, Vichada), Venezuela (Amazonas, Delta Amacuro), the Guianas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Brazil (Amapa, Amazonas, Maranhao, Pará, Roraima)

Description

A clustering palm of the savannahs, especially on white sand, thorny stem, up to 7m. Bactris campestris is diagnosed, by its grayish brown (darker at base and apex), strongly flattened leaf spines, reddish brown tomentum of the inflorescence, and small, globose, red or orange-red fruits. It is further distinguished by its open, savanna habitat. It varies considerably in the size of all its parts, than plants from forest margins that are usually much larger than those from open areas.

Curiosities

The palm heart is mixed with water, and placed on the tongue to treat rattlesnake bites.

References

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

• IMAGE GALLERY

Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.

Back to Palm Encyclopedia