Acrocomia is a genus of spiny, pinnate-leaved palms in the family Arecaceae (order Arecales), native to the Neotropics. The genus ranges across a broad arc from Mexico in the north, through Central America and the Caribbean, and down through South America as far south as Argentina.
Plants in the genus vary considerably in stature, from large, tall-trunked trees to small palms with short, subterranean stems. All species are armed with spines. Leaves are pinnate (feather-like). The inflorescences are branched and arise among the leaves; individual flowers are unisexual, with female flowers carried near the base of the inflorescence and male flowers toward the tips. Fruits are large, single-seeded, and range in colour from yellow to orange to brown.
The most widespread and economically significant species is Acrocomia aculeata (macaúba or grugru palm), which occurs from Mexico and the Caribbean south into northern South America and is considered a promising multipurpose crop, particularly as a source of vegetable oil. Acrocomia crispa (Cuban belly palm or corojo) is endemic to Cuba. Acrocomia emensis is endemic to Brazil.
Distribution
Acrocomia is native to the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico in the north through Central America and the Caribbean and south through South America to Argentina. Individual species have more restricted ranges: A. aculeata spans Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America; A. crispa is endemic to Cuba; A. emensis and A. intumescens are endemic to Brazil; A. totai extends across Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil.
Ecology
Acrocomia palms produce large, oil-rich fruits that are consumed by a variety of vertebrates, which act as seed dispersers. The genus is associated with seasonally dry and savanna habitats across its range, as well as forest margins.
Cultural Uses
Acrocomia aculeata has a long history of use by indigenous and rural communities throughout the Neotropics. The fruits yield edible oil from both the mesocarp (pulp) and the kernel; the oil is used for cooking, cosmetics, and soap production. The palm heart is edible, and the fibrous leaves are used for weaving and thatching. The genus is considered to be at an early phase of development as an alternative and multipurpose crop, with commercial interest focused on biofuel and food-grade oil production from A. aculeata.
