Desmoncus orthacanthos
Mart.
Arecaceae
There has been considerable confusion in deciding species limits within this genus. Many authorities in the past have viewed Desmoncus as being made up of a number of very localized and similar endemic species, with estimations of total species ranging as high as 60 or more. Most modern treatments have considerably reduced this number - some treatments having reduced it to as low as 7. However, we are following the treatment in 'A Revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae)' Henderson A., Phytotaxa 35; 1-88 2011, which recognizes 24 species[
659- Title
- Botanical Museum Leaflets Vol 8
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Harvard University; Cambridge, Mass.
- Year
- 1940
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Various articles on botany, including species of Saurauia in Mexico. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
,
768- Title
- Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas
- Publication
-
- Author
- Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R.
- Publisher
- Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-691-08537-4
- Description
- An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos.
,
771- Title
- A Revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae)
- Publication
- Phytotaxa 35; 1-88
- Author
- Henderson A.
- Website
- http://www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/
- Publisher
- Magnolia Press; Auckland
- Year
- 2011
- ISBN
- 978-1-86977-839-2
- Description
- A good description of each species with fairly detailed notes on habitat. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
,
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Atitara ataxacantha (Barb.Rodr.) Kuntze
Atitara lophacantha (Mart.) Barb.Rodr.
Atitara orthacantha (Mart.) Kuntze
Desmoncus ataxacanthus Barb.Rodr.
Desmoncus huebneri Burret
Desmoncus kuhlmannii Burret.
Desmoncus leptochaete Burret.
Desmoncus longifolius Mart.
Desmoncus lophacanthos Mart.
Desmoncus myriacanthos Dugand
Desmoncus werdermannii Burret.
Common Name:
General Information
Desmoncus orthacanthos is an unusual, elliptical leaved, evergreen climbing palm with very spiny stems and leaves. The vigorous, slender stems, which scramble into the surrounding vegetation, can be up to 20 metres long and 10 - 20mm in diameter[
422- Title
- Fruits of the Guianan Flora
- Publication
-
- Author
- van Roosmalen. M.G.M.
- Publisher
- Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-9000988-4
- Description
- Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat.
]. The plant produces clusters of stems, and can form dense thickets in clearings up to 2 metres high[
422- Title
- Fruits of the Guianan Flora
- Publication
-
- Author
- van Roosmalen. M.G.M.
- Publisher
- Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-9000988-4
- Description
- Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat.
,
771- Title
- A Revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae)
- Publication
- Phytotaxa 35; 1-88
- Author
- Henderson A.
- Website
- http://www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/
- Publisher
- Magnolia Press; Auckland
- Year
- 2011
- ISBN
- 978-1-86977-839-2
- Description
- A good description of each species with fairly detailed notes on habitat. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. It looks rather similar to the rattan palms of southeast Asia, though it is not related[
314- Title
- Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.pacsoa.org.au/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Contains at least a little information on the majority of palm and cycad species, plus a wealth of photographs. A first class website.
].
The stems are gathered from the wild for local use in making baskets, whilst the roots are used medicinally.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
422- Title
- Fruits of the Guianan Flora
- Publication
-
- Author
- van Roosmalen. M.G.M.
- Publisher
- Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-9000988-4
- Description
- Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat.
,
771- Title
- A Revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae)
- Publication
- Phytotaxa 35; 1-88
- Author
- Henderson A.
- Website
- http://www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/
- Publisher
- Magnolia Press; Auckland
- Year
- 2011
- ISBN
- 978-1-86977-839-2
- Description
- A good description of each species with fairly detailed notes on habitat. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
Range
S. America - Brazil and Peru, north through S. America to Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Habitat
Abundant in the coastal area of the Guyanas, growing in more or less open places and along rivers - it is rarely found in the interior and never in undisturbed forests[
422- Title
- Fruits of the Guianan Flora
- Publication
-
- Author
- van Roosmalen. M.G.M.
- Publisher
- Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-9000988-4
- Description
- Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat.
].
Properties
| Other Uses Rating |  |
| Habit | Evergreen Climber |
| Height | 15.00 m |
| Pollinators | Insects |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
A plant of the moist, tropical lowlands, it is cold sensitive[
314- Title
- Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.pacsoa.org.au/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Contains at least a little information on the majority of palm and cycad species, plus a wealth of photographs. A first class website.
].
Requires a warm, sheltered moist position[
314- Title
- Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.pacsoa.org.au/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Contains at least a little information on the majority of palm and cycad species, plus a wealth of photographs. A first class website.
].
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
A decoction of the root is used as a drastic; it is considered excellent for treating dartre, eczema and certain dermatoses[
739- Title
- Medicinal Plants of Brazil
- Publication
-
- Author
- Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications; Michigan.
- Year
- 2000
- ISBN
- 0-917256-42-5
- Description
- An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
].
Other Uses
Mature stems are used for basket making[
46- Title
- Dictionary of Economic Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Uphof. J. C. Th.
- Publisher
- Weinheim
- Year
- 1959
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
].
Propagation
Seed -
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
