the genus
ARCOMIA

From the Greek words “akros “and “kome”, meaning a crown of leaves.

Subfamily: Arecoideae
Tribe: Cocoeae
Subtribe: Bactridinae

The subtribe includes related South American genera such as Gastrococos, Aiphanes, Bactris, Desmoncus, and Astrocaryum.

Botanists have reduced this formerly large genus to only two species- the trunkless grass-like Acrocomia hassleri, a native of the thorn forests, or “cerrados” of Brazil, and the wide-ranging species, Acrocomia aculeata, distributed from Mexico south through tropical America. The more cold-hardy Argentinian strain of the species was once known separately as “Acrocomia totai” and is still sold under that name by many nurseries. Acrocomia aculeata makes a beautiful tall palm with a lush crown of green foliage. Its curious trunk is decorated with formidable spines set in a spiral pattern.

Culture: Acrocomia species accept sun or light shade and will tolerate drought. Good drainage is essential.

Acrocomia aculeata
Common Name: Macaw Palm
Cold Tolerance: 18F (-8C) USDA Zones: 9-11

Typical Height: 30’ Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 30–300gal. 3'–20'CT