palm

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bataua palm
• kumbu

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Jessenia bataua

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Arecales and family Arecaceae, it is classified under the genus Oenocarpus. Specifically, this species is identified by its scientific name, Oenocarpus bataua.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions in the Neotropics. In Central America, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Panamá. Moving into the Caribbean, it can be found inhabiting the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Its range extends significantly into Northern South America, covering the territory of French Guiana. Finally, the species is also widely documented throughout Guyana and Suriname.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oenocarpus bataua is characterized by its presence within the canopy of its native environment, where it occupies a specific vertical niche in the forest structure. This species exhibits a broad elevational distribution, spanning from sea level up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL, with a mean elevational range centered around 800 m AMSL. In terms of biological interactions, the plant does not exhibit specific defensive mechanisms, which influences its relationship with surrounding fauna and its role within the local ecosystem.

Defense :

no

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

canopy

Life history

The life history of Oenocarpus bataua is characterized by its existence as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in its native ecosystem over many successive growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, a structural strategy that allows it to dominate upper strata within its habitat. This life form is further categorized under both phanerophyte classifications, emphasizing its robust, woody stature. Additionally, the species exhibits an evergreen deciduousness, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally, which supports continuous metabolic activity and growth stability.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Oenocarpus bataua is characterized by its stature as a woody tree that exhibits an erect shoot orientation. This terrestrial species grows as an independent organism, lacking parasitic or epiphytic tendencies, and is classified strictly as a terrestrial plant. The tree reaches significant dimensions, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 20 m to a maximum of 26 m, and can possess a maximum diameter at breast height (DBH) of 45 cm. In terms of its structural development, the plant can achieve a maximum shoot length of 2600 cm, further establishing its presence as a substantial, self-supporting woody perennial within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

DBH max:

45 cm

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

26 m

Plant height min:

20 m

Shoot length max:

2600 cm

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Oenocarpus bataua is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its specific ecological niche. The plant exhibits a significant vegetative structure, with leaf lengths reaching a maximum of 1350 cm. In terms of morphological defenses and structural adaptations, the foliage is characterized by the absence of leaf spines. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on external soil nitrogen sources rather than symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to satisfy its nutritional requirements.

Leaf length max:

1350 cm

Leaf spines :

no

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Oenocarpus bataua is characterized by the development of fleshy, indehiscent drupes that serve as the primary vessel for seed protection and dispersal. These fruits are distinguished by their deep black color and vary in size, with lengths typically ranging from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 4.5 cm, and an average length of approximately 3.5 cm. The width of the fruit follows a similar pattern, ranging between 2.2 cm and 2.5 cm, with a mean width of 2.35 cm. Within these fleshy drupes, the seeds are substantial in size, possessing a seed volume that fluctuates between a minimum of 3800 mm³ and a maximum of 6300 mm³, with a mean volume of roughly 5953.33 mm³. The plant utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning the fruits are consumed or carried by animals to facilitate the spread of the species across its habitat.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit colour :

black

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

4.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

3.5 cm

Fruit length min:

2.5 cm

Fruit type :

drupe

Fruit width max:

2.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

2.35 cm

Fruit width min:

2.2 cm

Seed volume max:

6300 mm³

Seed volume mean:

5953.33333333333 mm³

Seed volume min:

3800 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Oenocarpus bataua has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Oenocarpus bataua has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoid.

Flavonoid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Oenocarpus bataua has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits, oil, plant crude extracts.

Fruits

1. Food chemistry

Oil

1. Food chemistry

Plant crude extracts

1. Pharmacognosy magazine