Maripa Palm

Description:

These palm trees, while not the tallest trees in the canopy, are one of the most important for the local wildlife. The fruit of the palm, which is gathered in large fronds, is an important source of nutrition for primates and birds in the area. However, growing saplings are a hazard when walking in the forest due to the very long, shark spikes on the leaf stalks. I had to extract one imbedded in my finger that was about three inches long and had broken into pieces under the skin.

Habitat:

Tropical rainforest, Guiana Shield, Suriname