Astrocaryum aculeatissimum

taxobox
name = "Astrocaryum aculeatissimum"

---

status = LR/lc
status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Monocots
unranked_ordo = Commelinids
ordo = Arecales
familia = Arecaceae
genus = "Astrocaryum"
species = "A. aculeatissimum"
binomial = "Astrocaryum aculeatissimum"
binomial_authority = (Schott) Burret|

"Astrocaryum aculeatissimum" (syn. "Astrocaryum ayri" Mart., "Toxophoenix aculeatissima" Schott) is a palm native to Atlantic Coast restingas vegetation which is an ecosystem of Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil. This plant has a commercial value because it has useful fibers which may be used to make prodution of brooms. In addition, it is also used as a medicinal plant.

The trunk of the tree is covered by rings of very sharp spines, believed by some biologists to have evolved as protection against the extinct Megatherium Giant Ground Sloth.

ee also

*List of plants of Atlantic Forest vegetation of Brazil

External links

*pt icon [http://www.esalq.usp.br/trilhas/palm/palm26.php "Astrocaryum aculeatissimum"] photos