Contents
Description
Oenocarpus Bacaba, also known as Bacaba palm, is a species of palm tree that is native to South America. It is widely distributed in the Amazon Basin and can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a slender trunk that is covered in old leaf bases. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they have feather-like leaflets that grow on either side of a central axis. The tree produces small, edible fruits that are commonly used to make juice, wine, and vinegar.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Oenocarpus |
Appearance
The Bacaba palm has a slender trunk that can grow up to 20 meters tall and 20-30 cm in diameter. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they have feather-like leaflets that grow on either side of a central axis. The leaflets are about 1-2 meters long and 3-5 cm wide. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a small, round drupe that is about 2-3 cm in diameter and contains a single seed. The fruit is initially green but turns black when it is ripe.
Care Guide
Water: Bacaba palms require regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Bacaba palms prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Bacaba palms are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests that can affect Bacaba palms include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Diseases that can affect the tree include fungal leaf spots, root rot, and bud rot.
Habitat
Bacaba palms are native to the Amazon Basin and can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. They grow in tropical rainforests and prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree is often found growing near rivers and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Bacaba palm be grown indoors?
A: While Bacaba palm can be grown indoors, it requires a lot of sunlight and space to grow properly.
Q: Are Bacaba palm fruits edible?
A: Yes, the fruits of the Bacaba palm are edible and are commonly used to make juice, wine, and vinegar.
Q: How often should Bacaba palm be fertilized?
A: Bacaba palm should be fertilized during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Bacaba palm?
A: Bacaba palm is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Oenocarpus bataua
- Oenocarpus distichus
- Oenocarpus jessenii
- Oenocarpus mapora
References
- “Oenocarpus Bacaba.” Useful Tropical Plants. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Oenocarpus+bacaba
- “Oenocarpus Bacaba.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669638-1
- “Oenocarpus Bacaba.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=166395
