Attalea speciosa

Abstract

A disturbance indicator par excellence, this majestic palm dominates some landscapes, especially in eastern and southern Amazonia. Babaçu, as the palm is known in Brazil, is well adapted to fires because when seeds sprout the nascent stem first grows downwards before emerging at the soil surface. The nuts are extracted from the hard endocarps to extract oil for use in cooking. Babaçu oil is also an ingredient in some hair conditioners and body lotions, while the seedcake is sold as bait for shrimp traps. The hard wooden casing that surrounds the nuts makes excellent fuel for cooking. The fronds are used for thatch and to make mats and baskets. In parts of Amazonia, such as Mato Grosso, heart-of-palm is extracted and sold along the side of roads and in street markets.