Dictyocaryum
Dictyocaryum | |
---|---|
Dictyocaryum lamarckianum | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Arecales |
Family: | Arecaceae |
Subfamily: | Arecoideae
|
Tribe: | Iriarteeae |
Genus: | Dictyocaryum H. Wendl.[1]
|
Species | |
Dictyocaryum is a
Description
Dictocaryum palms are usually solitary in nature though D. ptarianum will occasionally cluster in habitat. All three plants have conical masses of stilt roots at the base which are armed with spines. These stilt roots, in the case of D. fuscum, can be up to four inches (ten centimeters) thick.
Compared to other palms, the
Distribution and habitat
Palms in this genus are found in the mountainous and
from low elevations up to 1800 m. They often colonize in large, conspicuous groves, on steep slopes, receiving generous rain fall, and growing in acidic, noncalcareous soil.Cultivation and uses
Their growing conditions are usually hard to mimic, making them relatively uncommon in cultivation. They require a frost-free climate, humus-rich soil, and plenty of water. In their natural range the trunks are used by indigenous people in construction and cabinet-making, the leaves are woven into thatched goods, while the fruit is eaten and made into palm wine or jelly.[5] The Emberá Indians use the hard, durable trunks in the construction of coffins.[6]
References
- ^ H.A. Wendland, Bonplandia 8:106. 1860
- ISBN 978-0-88192-558-6
- ^ Henderson, Andrew (May 2, 1990). "Arecaceae - Part 1". Flora Neotropica. 53: 54.
- ISBN 978-0-935868-30-2
- ^ Romero Casteñeda, R. (1969) Fruitas Silvestres de Colombia Vol II. Bogota: Editorial Andes
- ISBN 978-0-691-01600-9