Asterogyne palm
An undergrowth palm that forms large stands in parts of the rainforest in northwestern South America.
The leaves are uncommon for palms growing in the rainforest undergrowth.
Asterogyne is characterized by its undivided leaves, which is uncommon among the palms of the undergrowth in the tropical rainforest. It is found in rainforests along the Pacific coast of South Amrica from Central America to Ecuador where it often forms large stands.
The inflorescence is built to avoid self-pollination of the flowers.
The flowers are sunk into small pits in the branches of the inflorescence. There are two male flowers and one female flower in each pit. The male flowers open first and the female flowers open only after the male flowers have fallen. In this way, the palm avoids self-pollination.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Hunstjernepalme
- Latin name: Asterogyne martiana
- Family: Palm family / Arecaceae
- Natural habitat: Northwestern part of South America
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