PACSOA - Astrocaryum murumuru

Palms

Astrocaryum murumuru

Common Names:
muru-muru or murumuru
Conservation Status:
Not threatened.
Distribution & Habitat:
It is widespread in the Amazon Basin where it is often one of the dominant trees.
Description:
A large, highly variable species that can be short and stemless thru to a tall, robust, clustering palm. It has a shuttlecock shaped crown with large, flat leaves, and closely spaced leaflets with dark green uppers and silvery undersides.
General:
The large fruits are edible, and the seed kernel is a significant source of edible oil in Brazil, where it is gathered commercially. The kernel also produces a very rich extract which is used by the beauty industry for shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizing skin care products; "it's natural gloss brings a desirable shine to dry, damaged hair ".
The leaf fibres used locally for hammocks.
Culture:
Sunny, moist, but well drained position.

Figure 1. A. murumuru at Foster's Garden in Oahu, Hawaii.

Figure 2. A. murumuru showing the silvery leaf undersides.
Figure 3. A. murumuru showing the spines.

Contributed by: Anna (Figure 1&3)
Rolf Kyburz, K-Palms (Figure 2)

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Contributed by:	Anna (Figure 1&3)
	Rolf Kyburz, K-Palms (Figure 2)