Walking Palm

Description:

Socratea exorrhiza, the Walking Palm or Cashapona, is a palm native to rainforests in tropical Central and South America. It can grow to 25 metres in height, with a stem diameter of up to 16 cm,but is more typically 15-20 m tall and 12 cm in diameter. It has unusual stilt roots, the function of which has been debated. The tree slowly 'walks' from shade to sunlight by growing new roots toward the light and allowing the old roots interfering with its wanderlust to die."

Habitat:

Seen in a garden in a mountainous rainforest area between San Isidro de la General and Dominical in Costa Rica.