Syagrus coronata
| Licuri palm[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Syagrus |
| Species: | S. coronata |
| Binomial name | |
| Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc. | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
The licuri palm, Syagrus coronata, is a species of palm tree that plays an important role in the diets of tropical rainforest animals. It is native to eastern Brazil, ranging from the southern part of the state of Pernambuco, into the state of Bahia, south to the Jequitinhonha River in the state of Minas Gerais.[2][3][4][5]
Description
Syagrus coronata reaches 3 to 12 m (9.8 to 39.4 ft) tall with a crown of semi-plumose leaves.[6][7] The blooms are bright yellow, and the plants bear fruit for most of the year.[5]
Ecological Importance
Licuri palm nuts are the main food source of Lear's macaw, making up around 95% of their diet.[8] These nuts can grow to be one inch (2.5 cm) in width.
Threats
The destruction of small seedlings by cattle poses a threat to the plants, primarily through the destruction of concentrated groves.[5] Those groves are vital to Lear's macaw.[5]
References
- ↑ http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SYCO
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ↑ http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/photos/Species/syagrus_coronata.htm
- ↑ http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Palm/Syagrus_coronata.html
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/index.php/Conservation_Article_7/41
- ↑ "Syagrus coronata". Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
- ↑ Andrew Henderson; Gloria Galeano; Rodrigo Bernal (7 July 1997). Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas. Princeton University Press. p. 145. ISBN 978-0-691-01600-9. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
- ↑ http://www.parrotsinternational.org/Species_Pages/Lears_photos_1.htm