Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Arecales
Family:
Species:
macrocarpa
ID:
273905

Status:
valid

Authors:
Ruiz & Pav.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1798

Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg. Fl. Peruv. Chil. : 301 (1798)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000273237

Common Names

  • Elephant's Ear Palm
  • Ivory Palm
  • Tagua Palm

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Synonyms

  • Phytelephas macrocarpa macrocarpa [unknown]

Description

Phytelephas macrocarpa (also called Ivory-nut Palm, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Arecaceae family. It is a monoecious palm, with male and female flowers on the same plant. It is native to the tropical forests of South America. It grows in humid, lowland forests and in disturbed sites, from sea level to 1,500 m in elevation.

Uses & Benefits

Phytelephas macrocarpa is used in the production of jewelry, ornaments, and handicrafts. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as for treating wounds, skin infections, and digestive disorders.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Phytelephas macrocarpa has a small, white flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, hard, brown, three-angled nut. The seedlings are small and have a single, long, narrow leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Phytelephas macrocarpa is a hardy perennial that can be grown in USDA zones 10-12. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil. Propagation is usually done through division of the rhizomes in the spring.

Where to Find Phytelephas macrocarpa

Phytelephas macrocarpa is native to South America.

Phytelephas macrocarpa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Phytelephas macrocarpa?

Phytelephas macrocarpa

What type of plant is Phytelephas macrocarpa?

Phytelephas macrocarpa is a species of palm tree.

Where is Phytelephas macrocarpa found?

Phytelephas macrocarpa is found in northern South America.

Species in the Arecaceae family

Acanthophoenix crinita, Acanthophoenix rubra, Acanthophoenix rousselii, Acoelorraphe wrightii, Acrocomia aculeata, Acrocomia crispa, Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia intumescens, Acrocomia totai, Acrocomia emensis, Acrocomia glaucescens, Acrocomia corumbaensi, Actinorhytis calapparia, Actinorhytis calapparia, Adonidia merrillii, Adonidia dransfieldii, Aiphanes graminifolia, Aiphanes bicornis, Aiphanes buenaventurae, Aiphanes multiplex, Aiphanes acaulis, Aiphanes chiribogensis, Aiphanes concinna, Aiphanes deltoidea, Aiphanes duquei, Aiphanes eggersii, Aiphanes erinacea, Aiphanes gelatinosa, Aiphanes grandis, Aiphanes hirsuta, Aiphanes horrida, Aiphanes killipii, Aiphanes leiostachys, Aiphanes lindeniana, Aiphanes linearis, Aiphanes macroloba, Aiphanes minima, Aiphanes parvifolia, Aiphanes pilaris, Aiphanes simplex, Aiphanes spicata, Aiphanes tricuspidata, Aiphanes truncata, Aiphanes ulei, Aiphanes verrucosa, Aiphanes weberbaueri, Aiphanes argos, Aiphanes tatama, Aiphanes gloria, Aiphanes decipiens,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-155974: Based on the initial data import
Hipólito Ruiz López (1754-1816): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Ruiz' in the authors string.
José Antonio Pavón (1754-1840): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Pav.' in the authors string.