Euterpe sp. 'espiritosantensis'
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Euterpe (yoo-TEHR-peh) sp. 'espiritosantensis' (eh-spih-rih-toh-sahn-TEN-sis) | |||||||
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Cultivated individuals at the Hermínio Simões palm collection and nursery, in Guaratiba, RJ - Photo: Gileno Machado. | |||||||
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Contents
Habitat and Distribution
Brazil.
Description
Euterpe sp. 'espiritosantensis' is one of the most impressive looking palm species in Rio de Janeiro is the solitary "palmito vermelho" from the mountainous habitat in the Southeast Atlantic forest. Kew still consider this species as a variety of Euterpe edulis with less number of fronds (9 to 14) and with a distinctive orangeish 1 meter long crownshaft. This species is endemic to a small habitat area, in Espírito Santo State, between 700 and 1000 m altitude and it tolerates (and prefers) cooler winters. Authors in Brazil (Fernandes, Lorenzi) now consider it as a separate species. (Gileno Machado)
Culture
Gileno Machado has tried to acclimatize these palms up in Northeast Brazil, but they are slow growing seedlings this warm sea level location so far. One of his friends in Amazonia reported that they are growing fine for him, so he is optimistic that they can manage to survive and develop in warmer regions too. They are reportedly growing fine in Florida. The sprouts and first leafers look much darker than E. edulis from the beginning.
Comments and Curiosities
Another one of those palms that to the layman and hobbiest, appear to be distinctly different than the common Euterpe edulis, but for now, it is officially considered by Kew as synonymous.
External Links
References
Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.
Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.
Special thanks to palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.
Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.