American oil palm - Orbignya phalerata

Description and Uses

Orbignya phalerata (American oil palm) is a tropical palm from Amazone. It is mainly grown for its oil crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 10 - 12 years. After 90 years the palm can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Orbignya phalerata has a lifespan of 175 years.

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Environmental limitations

The palm is 29 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Orbignya phalerata has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The palm`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by insects.

Orbignya phalerata thrives in an altitude of 0 to 500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 13°C and optimally between 25 - 30°C. The optimal rainfall is 2650 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1400 - 2500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are and can be stored for 2 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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