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


	• • • Write a germination comment and enter to win Euro (€) 50 worth of seeds • • • Please note: These comments are on how to get the SEEDS to germinate.

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

Plants from this species ...

... have not yet been commented on. Be the first to write a comment:


	• • • 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:

Martius, Book of Palms
by H. Walter Lack

Hardcover - 450 pages
19.8 x 13.5 inches!
11.1 pounds!
50 x 34 cm, 5 kg

Our Rating:

Suitable for: all

Martius's magnificent work on the varieties of palm tree. This epic folio was based on Martius's expedition to Brazil and Peru with zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix. From 1817 to 1820 the pair travelled over 2,250 km (1,400 miles) throughout the Amazon Basin, the most species-rich palm region in the world, collecting and sketching specimens.
In his epic work, Martius outlined the modern classification of palm, produced the first maps of palm biogeography, described all the palms of Brazil, and collated the sum of all known genera of the palm family. For apart from his own collection of specimens and notes, Martius also wrote about the findings of others.
Martius's folio is unusual in its inclusion of cross-sectioned diagrams, conveying the architecture of these mighty trees. Equally remarkable are the color landscapes showing various palms—often standing alone—which have a simple and elegant beauty. This famous work is an unrivaled landmark in botanic illustration and taxonomy.

Available at the following book shops:

Other selected books are available in our Book Shop