Desmoncus giganteus

Desmoncus giganteus
A.J.Hend.

Original
reference:
Palms Amazon 225 (1995)

Morphology:
Canopy reaching liana. Stem solitary, to 30 m long and 5 cm in diameter, usually covered with persistent leaf sheaths. Leaves 2-3 m long, the axis with slender, black spines, distally often unarmed; pinnae 9-10 on each side, evenly spaced, elliptic, 25-45 cm long and 6-12 cm wide; distal part of the rachis with 8-9 pairs of pinnae transformed into climbing hooks. Inflorescence 40-50 cm long; branches numerous, to 10 cm long or more. Fruits red, elongate, ca. 40 x 20 mm, rostrate.

Distribution:
W Amazon region in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, below 600 m elevation.

Common
names:
Macayá
–
Shuar
(B. Bergmann #97828 ).

Makayái
–
Achuar
(H.B. Pedersen #97617 ).

Supai chunda
–
Quichua
(H.B. Pedersen #97650 ).

Tun-tu
–
Siona
(Balslev & Barfod 1987).

Urpi-chunda
–
Quichua
(Henderson 1995).

Uses:

Arrows are made by ´curanderos´and are used in ceremonies
(H.B. Pedersen #97650 ).

Stems are used for baskets, when no better material is found
(B. Bergmann #97828 ).

Stems are used for “tambors” [=drums]
(H.B. Pedersen #97617 ).