Desmoncus giganteus
A.J.Hend.
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.
].
Common Name:
General Information
Desmoncus giganteus is a vigorous, spiny, evergreen, climbing palm producing stems that can be 5 - 50 metres long. The plant produces a single unbranched stem 15 - 48mm in diameter; this can scramble high into the surrounding vegetation[
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.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of weaving material.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
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.
Range
S. America - northern Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.
Habitat
Lowland rain forest and secondary forest, in areas not subject to seasonal inundation, at elevations from 150 - 440 metres[
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.
].
Properties
| Other Uses Rating |  |
| Habit | Evergreen Climber |
| Height | 22.00 m |
| Pollinators | Insects |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
Not known
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
None known
Other Uses
The stems are used to weave various items[
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.
].
Propagation
Seed -
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
