Acrocomia aculeata

Acrocomia aculeata
Coyol Palm

This large palm is covered with spines and is best described as 'interesting' although, especially from a distance, a well-grown tree certainly has a very handsome appearance. The difficulties in growing it are as formidable as its armament: the seeds are difficult to collect or to buy commercially. When obtained they are very difficult to germinate, taking up to a year or more to sprout. And when the plant eventually does grow, extremely fast by the way, it is covered from head to foot with dangerous, dense, black spines. Those who like a challenge will certainly enjoy growing this palm. Our seed comes from brazilian populations and is very large.

germination comments by our visitors
For general germination instructions click here.

Also see plant cultivation comments below.

Seeds from this species ...

... are difficult to germinate and need more than 1 year to sprout.
Acrocomia aculeata know as macaúba here in Brazil, is not easy to germinate.The main word is patience, because time is needed to see the first leaves growing.keep the seeds in warm, rich medium and keep it moist.
Submitted on 29/03/2008 by Lucas Assis cycnoches@gmail.com

...very easy to germinate and need up to 1 year to sprout.
Hey, these seeds have very bad reputation which is absolutely untrue. I received 6 very fresh seeds with pulp attached to firmly. I am persuaded that the key to success with these seeds are (1) their freshness and (2) - long soaking period. Seeds were soaked in warm water for 15 days changed daily. Then, semi-fermented pulp was thoroughly cut away from seed with knife. Seeds were sown in peat and kept at constant 35 d.C. Irrigation - a little bit less than usually for other palm seeds, when top of the soil dry out. Three seeds germinated after about 8 months - believe it or not but that's absolute true! Rest two seeds germinated after 10 months, and the last seed still is being kept for further germination. I was prepared myself to wait many years but at my biggest surprise I had to wait only months!
Submitted on 24/02/2005 by Sergei Leonov serileonov@hotmail.com

...very difficult to germinate and need more than 1 year to sprout.
Seed coat is very woody.
Submitted on 19/04/2002 by Abdenago Brenes abrenes@una.ac.cr


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plant cultivation comments by our visitors
Also see germination commnets above.

Plants from this species ...

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	• • • Write a plant cultivation comment and enter to win Euro (€) 50 worth of seeds • • • Please note: These comments are on how to cultivate the PLANTS once the seeds have germinated.

If you wish to read more on palm cultivation, we highly recommend Ornamental Palm Horticulture by Timothy K. Broschat and Alan W. Meerow, available in our bookshop.

Ratings and comments reflect individual experiences and the views of our visitors. They do not necessarily describe the most appropriate methods, nor are they necessarily valid for all seeds or plants of this species. Germination and plant cultivation success depends on many different factors; nevertheless, these experiences will hopefully aid you in your effort to get the best germination results from our seeds and the best growth results from your plants.

We recommend:

Palms of Southern Asia (Princeton Field Guides)
by Andrew Henderson

Hardcover - 264 pages
Covers all 352 naturally occurring palms in Southern Asia!

Our Rating:

Suitable for: all

The only complete field guide to the 43 genera and 352 species of palms and rattans that occur in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each species account includes the correct scientific and common names, and fully describes morphology, habitat, and uses. Featuring a distribution map for most species and 256 full-color photographs. A book of major importance for botanists and an invaluable aid for naturalists and conservationists, and it's the perfect field guide for ecotourists traveling in the region

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