Astrocaryum vulgare

Abstract

As the species name suggests, this palm is common, but only in disturbed habitats in eastern and central Amazonia. The yellow-orange fruits are relished and the palm was spread by indigenous peoples in precontact times up the Amazon to the central part of the Basin where it grows in close proximity to its cousin A. aculeatum. The fiber of A. vulgare is also used to make twine and to fashion hats. This fire-tolerant palm proliferates in the vicinity of settlements as people cut and burn forest to plant crops. The hard endocarps are used to make ornaments, such as necklaces.