Desmoncus costaricensis
(Kuntze) Burret
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 costaricensis Kuntze
Atitara drudeana Kuntze
Common Name:
General Information
Desmoncus costaricensis is a spiny, evergreen, climbing palm growing from 4 - 6 metres tall. The plant produces a cluster of unbranched stems around 2cm in diameter; these scramble into the surrounding vegetation[
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.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use in making baskets.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
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
C. America - Costa Rica.
Habitat
Lowland rainforest at elevations up to 400 metres[
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.
].
Properties
| Other Uses Rating |  |
| Habit | Evergreen Climber |
| Height | 5.00 m |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
Not known
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
None known
Other Uses
The stems are used in making baskets[
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.
].
Propagation
Seed -
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
