Bactris gasipaes

Bactris gasipaes is a species of palm native to the tropical forests of South and Central America. It is well spread in these regions where it is often cultivated by smallholders in agroforestry systems or, more rarely, in monoculture. Its English language common names include peach-palm. It is a long-lived perennial plant which is productive during 50 to 75 years on average. Its population has an important genetic diversity leading to numerous fruits colors and qualities. The fruits are edible and very nutritious but need to be cooked for 3–5 hours. They also benefit many animals in the wild. Peach-palms are also cultivated for the heart of palm and the trunk can make valuable timber.

Description

Bactris gasipaes, like most sea-island palms, grows erect, with a single slender stem or, more often, several stems to 8 in (20 cm) thick, in a cluster; generally armed with stiff, black spines in circular rows from the base to the summit. There are occasional specimens with only a few spines. It can typically grow to 20 metres (66 ft) or taller . The leaves are pinnate, 3 metres (9.8 ft) long on a 1 metre (3.3 ft) long petiole. The fruit is a drupe with edible pulp surrounding the single seed, 4–6 cm long and 3–5 cm broad. The rind (epicarp) of the fruit can be red, yellow, or orange when the fruit is ripe, depending on the variety of the palm.