Beach palm (Bactris major, Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist., ed. 2: 134 (1781))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist., ed. 2: 134 (1781)

Year: 1781

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bactris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trinidad, Mexico to S. Trop. America

Description

The Beach Palm, scientifically named Bactris major, is a distinguished member of the Arecaceae family. This palm is native to a vast range stretching from Trinidad and Mexico to Southern Tropical America. It was first described by Jacquin in the second edition of “Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.” in 1781, marking its long-standing recognition in botanical literature.

This palm species thrives in coastal habitats, often found gracing sandy beaches, which contributes to its common name – Beach Palm. Its adaptability to saline environments exemplifies the resilience and versatility of the Arecaceae family. Characterized by its tall, slender stature and feathery fronds, Bactris major plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits, offering shelter and food to various wildlife.

The Beach Palm is not only admired for its beauty but also for its ecological importance. It provides vital protection against coastal erosion with its extensive root system, which stabilizes the sandy soil. Additionally, the palm’s fruits serve as a food source for numerous birds and mammals, thereby supporting local biodiversity.

In summary, the Beach Palm, Bactris major, stands as a noteworthy example of nature’s adaptability and beauty along the coastlines of the Americas, with a rich history documented since the 18th century by the botanist Jacquin.

Common Names

Eng: beach palm, prickly palm
Spa: biscoyol, hiuscoyol, bordón, jahuacte
Por: marajá
Fra: zagrinette
En: Beach palm, Prickly palm
Fr: Zagrinette
Pt: Marajá
Es: Biscoyol, Hiuscoyol, Bordón, Jahuacte

Synonyms

• Pyrenoglyphis major ((Jacq.) H.Karst.)
• Augustinea major ((Jacq.) H.Karst.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2733004)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664668-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bactris major Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth