Notes on the biology and uses of the motacú palm (Attalea phalerata, Arecaceae) from Bolivia

The motacú palm (Attalea phalerata) is widespread in Bolivia and is an economically valuable species as a source of vegetable oil. In Bolivia it is utilized as construction material, food, medicine, cosmetic, and edible oil. Oil extracted from the kernel (60-70% of dry weight) is high in lauric and myristic oils and compares favorably with other tropical oil crops. The palms reach reproductive maturity in 7-10 years and potential oil production from cultivated stands is 1.1-2.4 tons/ha/yr.