Attalea spectabilis

Abstract

Another of the palms in this genus without a trunk, this short palm is common in second growth in parts of central Amazonia. The palm proliferates in disturbed habitats and can be a nuisance to cattle ranchers because it crowds out pasture grasses but is a blessing to rural folk who gather the fronds to thatch their houses. Strips torn from the frond midribs are also used to fashion baskets.