Tropical Plant "Coyupe palm"
Aiphanes aculeate

Characteristics – The coyupe palm is a fruit bearer, cultivated in some tropical regions of the country, as an ornamental, and is not too frequent in its natural habitat, the western part of the state of Acre, in dry land forests, with well drained soil. It is a palm, with a single caulis and very spinescent, from 6-10 m tall, with flattened, black spines. Leaves pinnate, 10-15 concurrently, with pinnae (leaflets) irregularly distributed, along the rachis, forming groups of four, inserted on different planes. Inflorescences branched and interfoliar, erect when in flower, they form mainly in the spring. Fruits with a carnose mesocarp (pulp), slightly sweet, and rich in Vitamin A.

Uses - The fruit’s pulp is consumed in natura, however it is not widely appreciated.

Propagation – Propagated by seeds.