Characteristics - The assai palm is a fruit bearer, accasionally cultivated, native to Para, Tocantins, Maranhao and Amapa. Found in the fertile forests, both wet and dry, where they form large colonies. A cespitose palm, 3-20 m tall. The caule -7-18 cm in diameter with basal roots visible and a crownshaft at the top. Leaves - 8-14 per stem concurrently; pinnae - 40-80 pairs uniformly distributed on the same plane although they are pendulous. Inflorescences infrafoliarwith 80-160 rachises. Fruits have a thin, fibro-carnose mesocarp, with little flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed 'au nature!', the mesocarp (pulp) being prepared as a juice with a high caloric value called 'assai wine'. It is regularly consumed in the Amazon region and has become popular all over the country.

Propagation -Propagated by seeds.