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Plant Species of the genus Bactris
Information about this genus
Name: Bactris
Cultivation: CULTIVATION: Very much plants of the tropics, these palms need plenty of warmth and water. They thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil and may be grown in sun or partial shade. Propagation is from seed, which usually germinates well and develops quickly, or, in the case of the clump-forming species, by division.
Description: Although comprised of well over 200 species, this genus of palms primarily from Central America is known in cultivation through just a few of its number. There are two main growth variations within the genus: relatively short, clump-forming palms with multiple trunks that develop from an underground rhizome, and those with just a few trunks or a single tall trunk which is ringed with the scars and scaly leaf bases of old fronds and often with spines too. The leaves are up to 10 ft (3 m) long and are pinnate, though not always finely divided into feather-like fronds. When divided, the leaflets (pinnae) may be on several planes along the stem (rachis) and the rachis is often spiny, as is the leaf stalk (petiole). Sprays of tiny cream to yellow flowers are followed by edible fruits that in some species are over 2 in (5 cm) long.
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