Mauritia Carana

[Zayin]

Is anyone growing Mauritia Carana? I cannot find any good photos on the internet of this palm and haven't ever seen one at any botanical gardens that I've been to. Someone said it looks just like a miniature M.flexuosa.. (Minature being a relative term). Any insight or even better - photos, would be greatly appreciated.

[amazondk]

I am sure I have seen them.. And, more than likely I even have some pictures. But, I did not realize that their were two Mauritias until a short while ago. So, now I am going to be more observent when out around the country side looking at palms. There are some subtle differences in size and the M. carana has a lot of fiber around the crown of the tree.

Here is some iinformation from an on line book by INPA, National Institute of Amazonian Studies here in Manaus. The book is about palms along the highway south of here, BR 319 which still goes nowhere, but is in the lengthy process of maybe being reopened. It is in Portuguese, but at least has some pictures.

dk

[ariscott]

Do they grow at different places, Don? I am just curious why we don't hear much about the 'other' Mauritia. I have heard someone mentioned about the 'other' Mauritia, but that is as far as I know.

Regards, Ari

[amazondk]

Ari,

From what I know they grow mixed together. But, I do not know if they grow in mixed stands of trees. I you can look at or down load this field guide at, Guia das Palmeiras . It is a very well made work. The first time I heard the name Carana was at the indian reservation when I asked them what palm they used for tatching on their huts. From the map in the guide they grow all around Manaus. Since we have a lot of Mauritias growing around town they may even be in the city. But, I do not remember clearly seeing them. I guess is it time to look more closely. It is worthwhile downloading this guide off of the site I linked to above, even it you don´t speak Portuguese.

dk

[Gileno Machado]

I have a single M. carana seedling growing indoors. It was the only sprout out of 5 seeds sent by Lorenzi last semester. The seedling looks just like M. flexuosa, except for a reddish colour in the petioles. i`ll try to photograph it soon.

[amazondk]

Thanks Gileno I would love to see it. Now I have a new mission to go out and find some growing in the country.

dk

[Zayin]

thanks all, I read about this palm in both Fieldguide Palms of the America's and the Encyclopedia of Cultivated palms. They mentioned that both Flexuosa and Carana are exceptionally beautiful palms. I'd love to get my mitts on Carana..

[Mandrew968]

Mauritia carana is different from flexuosa in that it only keeps five to seven leaves at a time, where flexuosa may hold up to twenty leaves. Carana is also smaller--to about 50'. Carana also has a fibrous trunk, like Coccothrinax crinita. Supposedly, this palm is less needy of acidic soil, than flexuosa.

[amazondk]

Thanks for the info. I need to get out in the forest and see if I can find some now.

dk

[Mandrew968]

A nursery near where O live, just got some seedling Mauritia Vinifera. Has anyone ever heard of this species? I've seen the seedlings, but someone's gotta have some photos!..

[amazondk]

The information that I found here is that the M. vinifera is now classified as the same as the M. flexuosa. They have smaller fruits though.

dk

[Mandrew968]

The information that I found here is that the M. vinifera is now classified as the same as the M. flexuosa. They have smaller fruits though.

dk

Where are you getting this, info? Is it in english? Thanks!