Ceroxylon ventricosum
Burret
Original
reference:
Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 847 (1929)
Morphology:
Canopy palm. Stem solitary, ventricose, to 30 m tall and 60 cm in diameter in the middle, white, with conspicuous dark leaf scars. Leaves 3-5 m long; pinnae ca. 150 on each side, inserted in groups and spreading in different planes, erect, with pendulous distal half, the central ones to 1 m long and 3-6 cm wide, below with a thin, silverish layer of wax. Inflorescences erect, to 350 cm long, branched 3 times. Fruits 10-15 mm in diameter, smooth, light red at maturity.
Distribution:
The Andes in SW Colombia and Ecuador, at high elevations. Sometimes planted as an ornamental in the highland, e.g., in Quito (Plaza de Argentina) and at the central square in Guaranda.
Common
names:
Palma de Tambán
–
Spanish
(H. Balslev #62542).
Tambán
–
Spanish
(M. Acosta-Solís #6734 and additional references).
Uses:
Seeds are eaten by pigs and therefore the palms are protected in pastures and in the forest
(H. Balslev #62542).
Stems are used for construction purposes (posts, floors, walls)
(M. Acosta-Solis #6734 and additional references).
The spear leaf is sold during Holy week, to be used on Palm Sunday for ceremonial purposes
(M. Acosta-Solis #6734 and additional references).
The split stem is used for walls and fences
(H. Balslev #62542).
Wax is scraped off the stem and burned for illumination, hats and mats are weaved from the pinnae of the spear leaf
(M. Acosta-Solis #6734 and additional references).
|
Latest posts by admin (see all)
- Aluminium Rattan Garden Furniture Design Ideas - September 11, 2019
- Popular Gardens and Parks in Sheffield, United Kingdom - September 18, 2018
- How New Eco-Friendly Garden Benches Help Plants and Consumers in the UK - February 26, 2018
Discussion: