Kuakish (Attalea butyracea, Pittieria 17: 312 (1988))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: (Mutis ex L.f.) Wess.Boer

Bibliography: Pittieria 17: 312 (1988)

Year: 1988

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Attalea

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Trop. America

Description

The Kuakish, scientifically known as Attalea butyracea, is a notable species within the Arecaceae family. This palm is indigenous to South Tropical America, thriving in its native habitat where the conditions are optimally aligned with its growth requirements.

This species was meticulously described in an authoritative botanical reference dating back to 1988, as documented in Pittieria (volume 17, page 312). The classification and naming authority of this plant is credited to the renowned botanists Mutis and Linnaeus filius, with an official revision by Wess.Boer.

Attalea butyracea is distinguished by its robust structure and impressive height, making it a vital component of tropical ecosystems. The plant features large, feather-like fronds and produces significant amounts of fruit, which are an important resource for local wildlife. In addition to its ecological role, the Kuakish has economic value, as its seeds are harvested for oil production and other uses.

Studies have shown that Attalea butyracea plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity and environmental stability of its native regions. Its presence can often be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem due to its interdependence with numerous species of flora and fauna.

Overall, the Kuakish is more than just a palm tree; it is a fundamental part of the tropical landscape, contributing both ecologically and economically to its surroundings. As researchers continue to study this remarkable species, its importance and versatility become increasingly evident.

Common Names

Por: jací
Eng: kuakish
En: Kuakish
Pt: Jací

Synonyms

• Attalea humboldtiana (Spruce)
• Scheelea blepharopus ((Mart.) Burret)
• Attalea macrocarpa ((H.Karst.) Wess.Boer)
• Scheelea butyracea ((Mutis ex L.f.) H.Karst. ex H.Wendl.)
• Attalea gomphococca (Mart.)
• Scheelea macrocarpa (H.Karst.)
• Scheelea humboldtiana ((Spruce) Burret)
• Scheelea passargei (Burret)
• Scheelea gomphococca ((Mart.) Burret)
• Scheelea wallisii ((Huber) Burret)
• Scheelea dryanderae (Burret)
• Attalea blepharopus (Mart.)
• Attalea wallisii (Huber)
• Cocos butyracea (Mutis ex L.f.)
• Attalea pycnocarpa (Wess.Boer)
• Scheelea regia (H.Karst.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Bark

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by velez Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by velez Luis (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by velez Luis (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2732721)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1172851-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Attalea butyracea (Mutis ex L.f.) Wess.Boer)

Specifications

Growth