Desmoncus polyacanthos, the jacitara palm, is a spiny, climbing palm native to the southern Caribbean and tropical South America. Stems grow clustered together, and are 2–12 m long and 0.5–2 cm in diameter. Petioles, rachis, cirrus and peduncular bracts are covered with short, curved spines. Two varieties are recognised: D. polyacanthos var. polyacanthos and D. polyacanthos var. prunifer (Poepp. ex Mart.) A.J.Hend.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Desmoncus polyacanthos being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Desmoncus chinantlensis
- Chamaedorea elatior
- Chamaedorea schiedeana
- Chamaedorea oblongata
- Calamus tetradactylus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Liliopsida
- Order
- Arecales
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Genus
- Desmoncus
- Species
- Desmoncus polyacanthos
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo