Oenocarpus distichus: A comprehensive Growing Guide for Enthusiasts & Collectors.
Oenocarpus distichus
1. Introduction
Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent
Oenocarpus distichus is endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil, with its distribution centered in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and southern Minas Gerais. This distinctive palm inhabits montane and submontane rainforests between 400-1,800 meters elevation, showing a strong preference for steep slopes, ridges, and areas with frequent cloud cover.
Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification
Synonyms
- Euterpe disticha (Mart.) Burret
- Oenocarpus distichus var. major Drude
- Oenocarpus controversus Barb.Rodr.
- Euterpe controversa (Barb.Rodr.) Burret
Common Names
- Portuguese: Bacaba-de-leque ("fan bacaba"), Palmito-de-serra ("mountain palm heart"), Bacabinha (diminutive)
- English: Mountain bacaba
- Chinese: 二列酒椰子
Expansion in the World
- Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (type locality specimens)
- São Paulo Botanical Garden
- Limited private collections in Brazil
- Rare in international collections
- Occasionally at Montgomery Botanical Center, Florida
- Seeds rarely available commercially
- IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable (due to habitat loss)
Limited cultivation reflects both habitat destruction in the Atlantic Forest and specific environmental requirements.
2. Biology and Physiology
Morphology
Trunk
O. distichus typically develops a solitary trunk, though clustering occurs occasionally after damage. The trunk reaches 5-15 meters in height with a diameter of 8-15cm. It is gray to brown, prominently marked with regular ring scars. The most distinctive feature is the persistent leaf bases that create a spiral pattern up the trunk, giving it a rough, textured appearance. The base may show slight swelling but no stilt roots.
Leaves
Inflorescences
O. distichus is monoecious with infrafoliar inflorescences. The branched inflorescence emerges below the leaves, initially enclosed in a woody spathe. At anthesis, it measures 60-100cm long with numerous (50-100) pendulous rachillae. Flowers are arranged in triads (two males flanking one female) in the proximal portion of rachillae, with only male flowers distally. Male flowers are purple-black, 4-6mm; female flowers are smaller, greenish. The inflorescence has a distinctive musky scent at anthesis.
Life Cycle
O. distichus has a moderate life cycle typical of montane palms:
- Germination to Seedling (0-3 years): Slow initial establishment
- Juvenile Phase (3-15 years): Trunk development begins at 8-10 years
- Sub-adult Phase (15-25 years): Rapid height growth
- Adult Phase (25-80 years): Full size and regular reproduction
- Senescent Phase (80-120 years): Gradual decline