Bactris sphaerocarpa
| Bactris sphaerocarpa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Bactris |
| Species: | B. sphaerocarpa |
| Binomial name | |
| Bactris sphaerocarpa | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Bactris sphaerocarpa is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is a shrub or palm tree with black prickles, nine to thirteen leaves, and black to purplish fruits. The species is native to Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Bactris sphaerocarpa was described in 1877, and is listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Taxonomy
The species was described by James W. H. Trail in 1877.[3]
Distribution
Bactris sphaerocarpa is native to the wet tropical biome of Colombia (Amazonas), Peru (Loreto and Madre de Dios), and north-west Brazil (Acre and Amazonas).[2][4] It grows in lowland rainforests, at elevations of 150–400 metres (490–1,310 ft).[4]
Description
Bactris sphaerocarpa is a shrub or palm tree.[2][5] The stem is up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) high,[5] and 0.8–1.5 centimetres (0.31–0.59 in) wide.[4] The plant has black prickles that are up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) long.[5]
The plant has nine to thirteen leaves,[4] which are pinnate, or have smooth edges. There are two to seven pinnae on each side.[5] The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (1.6 ft) long, and 15 centimetres (0.49 ft) wide. The leaf stems are 10–28 centimetres (3.9–11.0 in) long.[4]
The flower stems are around 6 centimetres (2.4 in) long, and lack spines. The male flowers are 5–6 millimetres (0.20–0.24 in) long, and have six stamens. The sepal lobes are 1–2 millimetres (0.039–0.079 in) long. The female flowers are 3.5–4.5 millimetres (0.14–0.18 in) long. The calyx and corolla are 3–4 millimetres (0.12–0.16 in) long, and tube-shaped.[4]
The fruits are ovoid, black to purplish,[5] up to 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) long, and up to 1.7 centimetres (0.67 in) wide.[4] The epicarp is smooth,[5] the mesocarp is juicy, and the endocarp is turbinate.[4]
Uses
Bactris sphaerocarpa is used for food.[2]
Conservation
In 2022, the IUCN assessed Bactris sphaerocarpa as of Least Concern.[1]
Nomenclature
In Portuguese, the species is known as Marajá or Marajazinha. In Spanish, the species is known as Ñejilla.[6]
References
- 1 2 Lopez-Gallego, C.; Morales M, P.A. (2024). "Bactris sphaerocarpa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (in Spanish). 2024 e.T67533163A218169963. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T67533163A218169963.es. Retrieved 2026-07-10.
- 1 2 3 4 "Bactris sphaerocarpa". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-10.
- ↑ "Bactris sphaerocarpa Trail". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Bactris sphaerocarpa Trail". WorldFloraOnline.org. World Flora Online. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Bactris sphaerocarpa Trail". Reflora.jbrj.gov.br. Flore e Funga do Brasil. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- ↑ "Bactris sphaerocarpa Trail". CatalogueOfLife.org. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 10 July 2026.