Parajubaea torallyi var. microcarpa M.Moraes, Novon 6: 87 (1996)

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Distribution

Map uses TDWG level 3 distributions (https://github.com/tdwg/wgsrpd)
Bolivia present (World Checklist of Arecaceae)B
Endemic to Bolivia. Restricted to steep interandean valleys with xeric, often spiny vegetation {Prosopis, Aspidosperma, bromeliads), in the departments of Chuquisaca (Zudañez) and Potosí (Province Linares): (64°11'-64°55'W, 19°33'- 19°50'S). Monotypic stands are found between 2700 and 3400 m elevation. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Diagnosis

  • Flores masculini staminibus 13-15; flores feminei 1(-2) ad rhachillae basim. Fructus ovoideus 3.5-4.5 cm longus;
    putamine l(-2). (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Conservation

  • This species is not threatened because it regenerates prolifically and because there are few roads and human settlements. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Etymology

  • The epithet refers to the small size of fruit, compared with P. torallyi van torallyi. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Common Name

  • Janchi coco, palma de fruto chico. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Uses

  • According to local people, this palm is utilized for its fruits. Formerly, the stems were split in two and then cut into pieces 1 m long, in order to extract and grind the internal fibers with an ax, and finally to weave ropes from the fibers. Occasionally, baskets and fans are made from the leaves. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Description

  • Stem 10-20 m tall, 25-50 cm diam., smooth. Leaves 15-18, 4.5-5 m long, erect; sheath to 110 cm long, with few fibers to 15 cm long; petiole 70- 90 cm long; rachis 2.7-3.2 m long, triangular in cross section at apex; pinnae 80-89 per side, lanceolate, regularly inserted and spreading in the same plane, plicate at base, green and lustrous adaxially, glaucous abaxially; basal pinnae 56-75 X 0.6-1 cm; middle pinnae 60-65 X 1.2-1.5 cm; apical pinnae 68-72 X 0.8-1 cm. Inflorescences up to five per plant, 1.8-2.5 m long; buds erect, becoming pendulous at anthesis; prophyll ca. 1 m long; peduncular bract 1.1-1.3 m long, apiculate, inflated above, membranous, sulcate, brown externally, glabrous and light brown internally; peduncle 60-64 cm long, glabrous; rachis 40-46 cm long with a zig-zag and twisted shape, glabrous; rachillae 13-16 spirally arranged, spreading at anthesis, the basal ones 13-15 cm long, the apical ones 17- 19 cm long; staminate flowers pedicellate, 6-9 mm long; pedicel 1-4 mm long; sepals free, briefly connate- basally; petals broadly triangular, valvate; stamens 13-15, 5 mm long; filaments 3 mm long; an thers 2 mm long, medifixed, slightly sagittate; pistillode trifid; pistillate flowers l(-2) per rachillae, basally inserted, 8-12 mm long; sepals and petals broadly triangular to 9 mm long, petals slightly smaller than sepals; staminodial ring to 2 mm tall, with 3 short teeth; ovary brownish beige tomentose; stigmas to 1 mm long; ovule basal. Fruit ovoid 3-5 cm long, 2.5-3 cm diam.; epicarp light green, orange at apex; mesocarp very fibrous; endocarp with 3 inconspicuous ridges; seeds l(-2), 2.1 cm long. (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Materials Examined

  • BOLIVIA. Potosí: Prov. Linares, Jatun Palmar, 167 km E from the city of Potosí on road to Turuchipa, 19°50'S, 64°55'W, 2750-3300 m, 5 Apr. 1993, Torrico & Peca 337 (BOLV, LPB). (Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia)A

Bibliography

    A. Moraes, M. 1996: Novelties of the Genera Parajubaea and Syagrus (Palmae) from Interandean Valleys of Bolivia
    B. World Checklist of Arecaceae