Family: Arecaceae
Syagrus coronata, commonly known as the licuri palm, is native to Brazil. This palm species is characterized by its slender trunk, reaching heights of up to 10-15 meters (33-49 feet). One of the notable features is its edible fruit, known as licuri nuts. The nuts are small and round, about 1-2 centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) in diameter, and have a hard shell. They are commonly consumed by local communities and wildlife in the region. There are no reports that it has naturalized or become invasive worldwide. In addition, its slow growth rate, affinity for full sun, and relatively large fruit and seeds that may limit bird dispersal, suggest it poses a low risk of invasiveness in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and could spread in regions with tropical climates
- Other Syagrus species have become invasive.
- Tolerates many soil types (not substrate limited)
- Reproduces by seeds.
- Hybridizes with other Syagrus species.
- Self-fertile, but typically outcrossing.
- Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, secondarily by seed predators, and through intentional cultivation.
- Able to produce large numbers of seeds annually.
- Tolerates fire.
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of naturalization or invasiveness.
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Fruit and foliage are palatable to animals.
- Non-toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread).
- Reaches maturity in 6+ years.
- Relatively large fruit and seeds are unlikely to be accidentally dispersed.
- Fruit-eating birds in the Hawaiian Islands may be too small to effectively disperse the relatively large seeds.
