Family: Arecaceae

The macaw palm is single-stemmed. A crown of gently arching, pinnate fronds sits atop a slender trunk, ringed with spikes.

In its native land of South America, the macaw palm is a favorite perching spot for the brightly colored macaws, hence the common name. Scarify the seeds before sowing; germination takes place in 4 to 6 months. The tree is said to be slow-growing; however, there are reports of fast growth in Florida. The flowers have a chemical smell. Caution is advised with this tree as the trunk is riddled with harmful spines.

It has many uses. The starchy pith can be used as cattle food or fermented to make an alcoholic drink. Leaves are used to make cordage. The fruits can be boiled and eaten or pressed to produce oil.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Medicinal
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• Thorns or spines

High Risk Traits:

• Native to tropical regions
  
• Naturalized in Florida
  
• Armed (spines)
  
• Grows on a wide variety of soils, but prefers sandy and organically enriched
  
• soils
  
• Self-compatible (self-fertile)
  
• Persistent seed bank
  
• Tolerates fire and drought

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a known invasive (limited cultivation outside native range)
  
• No species in the genus are invasive
  
• Does not thrive in a wide-variety of climates
  
• Non-toxic to humans and animals
  
• Shade-intolerant
  
• Doesn’t produce fruit for 4-6 years
  
• Limited dispersal agents (humans, animals, gravity)