American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera, Fl. Columb. 1: 203 (1897))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: (Kunth) Cortés

Bibliography: Fl. Columb. 1: 203 (1897)

Year: 1897

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elaeis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Trop. America

Description

The American oil palm, scientifically known as Elaeis oleifera, is a captivating tropical plant native to Central and South America. Esteemed by botanists and horticulturists alike, it belongs to the diverse and economically significant family Arecaceae. This plant was first described in detail in the work Flora Columbiae in 1897 by the renowned botanist Kunth, and later the authority was given to Cortés.

Elaeis oleifera is distinguished by its graceful, feather-like fronds and a sturdy trunk, typically shorter and more manageable compared to its African cousin, Elaeis guineensis. The American oil palm thrives in the rich, humid environments of tropical America, where it has adapted exceptionally well to the local climate and soil conditions.

One of the unique aspects of the American oil palm is its ability to produce oil, similar to the African oil palm, but with different properties. While its oil yield is comparatively lower, the oil itself contains higher levels of unsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative for various culinary and industrial applications. Additionally, the plant’s resistance to certain diseases affecting the African oil palm draws significant interest from the agricultural community, as it holds potential for hybridization and the development of more resilient oil palm varieties.

In its native habitats, Elaeis oleifera plays a pivotal role in local ecosystems. It provides essential resources for wildlife, including food and habitat. The indigenous peoples of Central and South America have also long utilized this versatile plant, extracting oil from its fruits for cooking and medicinal purposes, and employing its leaves and fibers for crafting and construction.

Cultivating the American oil palm requires a thoughtful approach, considering its specific environmental needs and slower growth rate compared to other oil-producing palms. However, its contributions to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation reflect its growing importance in the botanical and agricultural sectors.

With ongoing research and interest in sustainable agricultural practices, Elaeis oleifera stands out not only as a valuable resource for oil production but also as a key species in promoting ecological balance and resilience.

Common Names

Eng: american oil palm
Deu: amerikanische ölpalme
Swe: amerikansk oljepalm
Por: caiué
Spa: coquito, nolé, nolí, palmiche
En: American oil palm
De: Amerikanische Ölpalme
Pt: Caiué
Es: Coquito, Nolé, Nolí, Palmiche
Sv: Amerikansk oljepalm

Synonyms

• Elaeis melanococca var. semicircularis (Oerst.)
• Corozo oleifera ((Kunth) L.H.Bailey)
• Alfonsia oleifera (Kunth)
• Elaeis melanococca (Mart.)

Distribution

• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Luis Elias Chahua Janampa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Élcio Élcio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Allie H (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by aurelien michel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Allie H (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Allie H (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/8791596)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:88982-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) Cortés)

Specifications

Growth