Syagrus coronata

Syagrus coronata, commonly known as the ouricury palm,^[4] aricuri palm, or licuri palm, is a species of palm tree that is native to eastern Brazil, ranging from the southern part of the state of Pernambuco, into the state of Bahia, south to the Jequitinhonha River in the state of Minas Gerais.^[3][5][6] The tree can live for 30–150 years, though most only live for 8–10 years on average. It plays an important role in the diets of tropical seasonally dry forest animals.

Licuri palm[1]
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Genus:	Syagrus
Species:	S. coronata
Binomial name
Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc.
Synonyms[3]
Cocos coronata Mart. Calappa coronata (Mart.) Kuntze Cocos quinquefaria Barb.Rodr. Glaziova treubiana Becc. Syagrus quinquefaria (Barb.Rodr.) Becc. Syagrus treubiana (Becc.) Becc.

Description

Syagrus coronata reaches 3 to 12 m (9.8 to 39.4 ft) tall with a crown of semi-plumose leaves.^[7][8] The blooms are bright yellow, and the plants bear fruit for most of the year.^[6]

Ecological importance

Licuri palm nuts

Licuri palm nuts are the main food source of Lear's macaw, making up around 95% of their diet.^[9] These nuts can grow to be one inch (2.5 cm) in width. According to Kitzke and Johnson, mature C. coronata palms number about five Billion (5,000,000,000).^[10]

Threats

The destruction of small seedlings by cattle poses a threat to the plants, primarily through the destruction of concentrated groves.^[6] Those groves are vital to Lear's macaw.^[6]

Uses

Missouri's Botanical Garden Illustration (1823-1850)

Syagrus coronata is the source of ouricury wax.