Geonoma brevispatha

Geonoma (geo-NO-mah) brevispatha (breh-vih-SPA-tah)
Kew.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Geonoma (geo-NO-mah) Species: brevispatha (breh-vih-SPA-tah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Cana preta, Aricanga, black cane, kid leaf guaricanga, ouricana, ubim

Habitat and Distribution

Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Minas Gerais, Brazil. Photo: Kew.

Description

The ouricana is a palm tree that can reach 5 meters in height, commonly found in wetlands, and its occurrence is restricted to flooded environments, edges of rivers and streams. Its flowers are purplish colors and feature strong smell. Its fruits are reddish and rounded. height 1.0-5.0 m DAP 3-32 cm, Trunk line: Straight, Slightly inclined, Flowering period: March to February, flowering color: white. Alva, purplish or cream. Type of Fruit: indehiscent, Meaty, (Drupa), fruiting period: from June to March. Pollinators: Bees and beetles. Dispersion Type: zoochoric, dispersers: Birds. Seed type: Recalcitrant.

Culture

Suitable for permanent flood areas, and areas of temporary flood. Drainage of ground: wet areas / wetlands. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10a

Comments and Curiosities

In its native countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay, this small, clustering palm is widespread and fairly common; in cultivation, however, it is still likely to be a new introduction. It usually produces large clusters of slender stems that are a little more than an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, each topped with a compact crown of finely pinnate, recurving leaves. In its native habitat, the high plateau of southern and central Brazil and neighboring countries to 1600 m (5200 ft), it generally occupies wetter areas in a fairly dry environment. Unlike most Geonoma, it will take both deep shade and full sun, dry winds, and very cool conditions though only mild frosts, making it suitable for most warm temperate and tropical climates. We believe this palm will have a bright future in cultivation. (RPS.com)