Family: Arecaceae
Author: Mart.
Bibliography: Hist. Nat. Palm. 2: 85 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Desmoncus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Caribbean to S. Trop. America
Description
The Suriname bramble palm, known scientifically as Desmoncus polyacanthos, is a captivating member of the Arecaceae family. First described in detail in 1824 by Mart., this resilient palm finds its habitat sprawling from the Southern Caribbean to Southern Tropical America.
The Suriname bramble palm possesses notable features that distinguish it from other palms. Typically, it has a slender, climbing stem that is fortified with spines, which not only provide physical protection but also aid in its ability to support itself as it intertwines with surrounding vegetation. The greenery of Desmoncus polyacanthos is accentuated by its pinnate leaves, which, upon closer inspection, reveal an intricate array of leaflets that contribute to its overall elegant appearance.
One of the most striking aspects of the Suriname bramble palm is its adaptability to various tropical environments. This versatility allows it to thrive in a diverse range of ecological settings, showcasing its resilience and the fascinating ways in which it has evolved to suit its surroundings.
The detailed documentation of this palm in the “Hist. Nat. Palm.” is not merely a mention but a comprehensive exposition that underlines its botanical significance and historical relevance. The record serves as a testament to the enduring interest in and study of Desmoncus polyacanthos within the scientific community.
Overall, the Suriname bramble palm is a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity, embodying both beauty and functionality. Its presence across a broad geographic range highlights its adaptability and the important role it plays in the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: suriname bramble palm
Por: jacitara
En: Suriname bramble palm
Pt: Jacitara
Synonyms
- Desmoncus nemorosus (Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus paraensis ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus riparius (Spruce)
- Desmoncus peraltus (L.H.Bailey)
- Desmoncus pycnacanthos (Mart.)
- Desmoncus oxyacanthos (Mart.)
- Desmoncus ulei (Dammer)
- Atitara oligacantha ((Barb.Rodr.) Kuntze)
- Desmoncus oligacanthus (Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara nemorosa ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara oxyacantha ((Mart.) Kuntze)
- Atitara aerea ((Drude) Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara paraensis (Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara caespitosa ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara philippiana ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara phengophylla ((Drude) Kuntze)
- Atitara macroacantha ((Mart.) Kuntze)
- Desmoncus duidensis (Steyerm.)
- Desmoncus dasyacanthus (Burret)
- Desmoncus longisectus (Burret)
- Desmoncus campylacanthus (Burret)
- Desmoncus aereus (Drude)
- Desmoncus phengophyllus (Drude)
- Desmoncus prestoei (L.H.Bailey)
- Desmoncus maguirei (L.H.Bailey)
- Desmoncus philippianus (Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus minor (G.Nicholson)
- Desmoncus macroacanthos (Mart.)
- Atitara polyacantha ((Mart.) Kuntze)
- Atitara dubia (Kuntze)
- Desmoncus pycnacanthos var. sarmentosus (Drude)
- Atitara phoenicocarpa ((Barb.Rodr.) Kuntze)
- Desmoncus phoenicocarpus (Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus macrodon (Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara inermis ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara macrodon ((Barb.Rodr.) Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus brevisectus (Burret)
- Desmoncus inermis (Barb.Rodr.)
- Desmoncus polyacanthos var. cuspidatus (Drude)
- Atitara riparia ((Spruce) Kuntze)
- Desmoncus mirandanus (L.H.Bailey)
- Desmoncus polyacanthos var. oxyacanthos ((Mart.) Drude)
- Desmoncus polyacanthos var. angustifolius (Drude)
- Desmoncus caespitosus (Barb.Rodr.)
- Atitara pycnacantha ((Mart.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Giacomo Sellan (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2738831)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:666648-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Desmoncus polyacanthos Mart.)