Jucum palm

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bactris setosa var. santensis
• Bactris lindmanniana
• Bactris escragnollei

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Arecales, falling into the family Arecaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in the genus Bactris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the vast and diverse territories of Brazil. Its natural range extends significantly across the northeastern region of the country. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the southeastern parts of Brazil. It also makes a presence in the southern regions of the nation. Consequently, its geographical footprint covers a wide variety of Brazilian landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bactris setosa is characterized by its presence in low-lying tropical environments, occupying an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 300 m AMSL. Within these stratified ecosystems, the species is specifically integrated into the canopy habitat, where it plays a role in the upper structural layers of the forest. To navigate the pressures of its biological environment, the plant possesses active defense mechanisms, as indicated by the presence of defensive traits used to deter herbivory or environmental stressors.

Defense :

yes

Elevational range max:

300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

canopy

Life history

The life history of Bactris setosa is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated structures, often utilizing a growth strategy consistent with a nanophanerophyte to manage its physical stature. Throughout its lifespan, it maintains an evergreen status, retaining its foliage continuously rather than undergoing seasonal shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bactris setosa is characterized by a woody, self-supporting growth habit, primarily functioning as a terrestrial tree or herb within its ecosystem. It exhibits an erect shoot orientation, with a maximum plant height of approximately 6 meters and a maximum shoot length reaching 600 cm. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant possesses a woody structure, with a maximum diameter at breast height (DBH) of 4 cm, contributing to its robust, self-supporting stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

DBH max:

4 cm

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

6 m

Shoot length max:

600 cm

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bactris setosa is characterized by distinct morphological adaptations and specific metabolic profiles. The plant exhibits significant vegetative development, with leaf length reaching a maximum of 301 cm, facilitating an expansive surface area for photosynthetic activity. A notable defensive physiological trait is the presence of leaf spines, which serve as a mechanical deterrent against herbivory. Regarding its nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic associations required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, relying instead on soil nutrient availability for its metabolic processes.

Leaf length max:

301 cm

Leaf spines :

yes

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bactris setosa is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fleshy fruits characterized by a distinct black color. These fruits vary in size, with a mean length of 1.25 cm (ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 1.5 cm) and a mean width of 1.75 cm (ranging from a minimum of 1.5 cm to a maximum of 2 cm). Within these fleshy fruits, the seeds are produced with a consistent volume of 1000 mm³, as both the minimum and mean seed volumes are recorded at this value.

Fruit colour :

black

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

1.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.25 cm

Fruit length min:

1 cm

Fruit width max:

2 cm

Fruit width mean:

1.75 cm

Fruit width min:

1.5 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed volume max:

1000 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bactris setosa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, Flavonoids, Stilbenes.

Anthocyanins

1. Nutrients

Flavonoids

1. Nutrients

Stilbenes

1. Nutrients