Attalea phalerata

Ecology

This palm species is of ecological importance and grows in many types of forest; individuals become fertile at 7-10 years of age (1 m height). Flowering occurs throughout the year and fruiting twice per year. The seeds are dispersed by tapirs, which swallow the fruits whole, and by rheas, agoutis, spiny rats of genus Clyomys, and caracaras. The hyacinth macaw consumes the seeds and may disperse them, as well. The sheaths of the palm often accumulate the seeds of other plants, which are sometimes deposited there by Artibeus jamaicensis, a frugivorous bat. The seeds sometimes germinate there and grow as epiphytes on the palm tree. This palm tree is commonly pollinated by sap beetles of genus Mystrops and weevils of tribe Madarini. The weevil Pachymerus cardo is known to be a seed predator on this species. Rhodinus stali, an insect which is a vector of Chagas disease, may infest this tree.

Uses

The tree has human uses. The leaves are used to thatch rooftops and the fruits are fed to pigs and other livestock. It is a source of vegetable oil. It is one of the most economically important palm species in Bolivia, where it is known as motacú.