Acrocomia totai

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is found across several distinct regions in Western and Southern South America. In Western South America, its presence is specifically noted in Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is distributed throughout the West-Central and Southern regions. The plant also inhabits parts of Southern South America, covering the Northeast of Argentina. Additionally, its range extends into the Northwest territory of Argentina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acrocomia totai is characterized by its ability to thrive within diverse Brazilian ecosystems, specifically occupying the Cerrado (latto sensu), as well as within Atlantic Forest (Floresta Ciliar) or Gallery Forest (Galeria) environments. This adaptability allows the species to integrate into both open, seasonal landscapes and more sheltered, riparian habitats. Furthermore, the plant possesses active defense mechanisms, a biological trait that helps it navigate environmental pressures and herbivory within its natural niches.

Defense :

yes

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria

Life history

The life history of Acrocomia totai is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over many growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are elevated above the ground level on woody stems or trunks. This life form enables the species to maintain stability and protect its regenerative tissues throughout its long life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acrocomia totai is characterized by its growth form as a tree, reaching a maximum plant height of 12 m. It exhibits a woody constitution and maintains an erect shoot orientation. As a terrestrial species, it is classified as an independent organism, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, epiphyte, or parasite.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acrocomia totai is characterized by specialized structural adaptations designed for survival in resource-limited environments, most notably through the development of defensive and protective integumentary structures. A key physiological and morphological feature is the presence of leaf spines (trait_1: yes), which serve as a critical mechanism for herbivory deterrence and physical protection of the developing meristematic tissues. These spines are integrated into the leaf architecture (trait_2: Leaf_spines_1), functioning as hardened, lignified extensions that reduce water loss and provide mechanical defense against environmental stressors. The metabolic processes of the plant are optimized for high-efficiency nutrient uptake and water management, supporting the growth of its robust, fibrous tissues. Through these physiological adaptations, including the strategic deployment of spines, the plant maintains structural integrity and protects its photosynthetic apparatus from biotic threats.

Leaf spines :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Acrocomia totai is characterized by the production of fruits that exhibit significant morphological variation in size and appearance. The fruits typically manifest in a vibrant orange color, serving as a key visual trait during their development. In terms of dimensions, the fruit length varies, with a minimum measurement of 2.5 cm, a mean length of 3 cm, and a maximum reaching up to 3.5 cm. Similarly, the fruit width shows a range of variation, starting from a minimum of 2.5 cm, maintaining a mean width of 3 cm, and extending to a maximum width of 3.5 cm. This consistency between length and width measurements suggests a largely spherical or rounded fruit structure throughout its reproductive cycle.

Fruit colour :

orange

Fruit length max:

3.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

3 cm

Fruit length min:

2.5 cm

Fruit width max:

3.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

3 cm

Fruit width min:

2.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Acrocomia totai has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, Nitrogen, PHOSPHORUS.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

Nitrogen

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

POTASSIUM

1. Dr. Duke

SFA

1. Dr. Duke

Sugars

1. Dr. Duke

linoleic acid

1. Dr. Duke

oleic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Acrocomia totai has 75 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Anemiagenic, Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker.

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Anemiagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiMS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiPMS

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacne

1. Dr. Duke

Antiallergic

1. Dr. Duke

Antialopecic

1. Dr. Duke