Tree-of-life (Mauritia flexuosa, Suppl. Pl.: 454 (1782))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 454 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mauritia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trinidad to S. Trop. America

Description

Mauritia flexuosa, colloquially known as the Tree-of-life, is a remarkable and versatile species of tree native to the tropical regions of South America. Its prevalent presence stretches from Trinidad across the equatorial breadth down to Southern Tropical America. This majestic tree is a member of the Arecaceae family, a group characterized by their palm-like features and ecological significance within their habitats.

The Tree-of-life exhibits an extraordinary ability to thrive in diverse and often challenging environments, such as swamps and seasonally flooded forests. This adaptability to varying moisture conditions underscores its common name, as it symbolizes resilience and vitality. Mauritia flexuosa is renowned not only for its ecological importance but also for its substantial contributions to local economies and cultures.

The tree is distinguished by its towering height, often reaching impressive dimensions that make it a conspicuous element of the landscape. The leaves are large and fan-shaped, providing a lush canopy that is crucial for maintaining the microclimates of the ecosystems it inhabits. The fruit of Mauritia flexuosa is another noteworthy feature, offering a rich source of nutrients that supports both wildlife and human populations. The vitamin-rich, reddish-orange fruits are a staple in many indigenous diets and are often used to produce a variety of food products, including beverages, oils, and sweets.

In addition to its nutritional value, the Tree-of-life has significant practical uses. Every part of the tree, from its sturdy trunks to its fibrous leaves, is harnessed for construction materials, as well as for crafting various handicrafts and tools, demonstrating its integral role in the sustainable lifestyles of the communities that rely on it.

Mauritia flexuosa was first documented in the literature “Supplementum Plantarum” in 1782 by L.f., marking its prominence in botanical studies. The continued exploration and documentation of this species highlight its ecological and cultural importance, ensuring that the knowledge surrounding this life-giving tree is preserved and appreciated.

In summary, Mauritia flexuosa, the Tree-of-life, is more than just a botanical specimen; it encapsulates the interdependent relationship between nature and humanity, underlining the critical need for conservation and sustainable utilization of tropical forest resources.

Common Names

Deu: morichepalme, yurumabrot
Por: buriti, buritirana, caraná, caraná-do-mato, miritirana
Swe: itapalm
Eng: tree-of-life
En: Tree-of-life
Fr: Palmier bâche
De: Morichepalme, Yurumabrot
Pt: Buriti, Buritirana, Caraná, Caraná-do-mato, Miritirana
Sv: Itapalm
: Muriti

Synonyms

• Mauritia minor (Burret)
• Mauritia setigera (Griseb. & H.Wendl.)
• Mauritia sagus (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Saguerus americanus (H.Wendl.)
• Mauritia vinifera (Mart.)
• Mauritia sphaerocarpa (Burret)
• Mauritia flexuosa var. venezuelana (Steyerm.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (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.

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2021 by Santos Ana Elene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Feu Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by violeta tanchiva vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by tatiana ramires (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Feu Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by violeta tanchiva vela (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Lorena Montoya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Feu Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by violeta tanchiva vela (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 14, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by medy esteie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Dinou Pns (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by medy esteie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Fernanda Scalambrino (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by Angelina Caussé (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5294777)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:668158-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mauritia flexuosa L.f.)

Specifications

Growth