Is this a kind of Desmoncus? The photo was taken in the rainforest of Chiapas Mexico. The Maya people there classify it as "hanan", in their language. Hanan is Desmoncus, but I don't see any spines on this variety. He planted this in his garden. Would anyone be able to tell me what this is, if not Desmoncus?
It could be D. polyacanthos which seems to have less spines than some of the others. Does look like some of our Calamus but they're not native over there. The growth and spinyness is similar.
That's a Chamaedorea.. not sure species but pochutlensis is a possibility. Certainly not a Desmoncus or Calamus... look at the flowers- typical Chamaedorea. Anyway, don't know of any spineless Desmoncus or Calamus, but I suppose a few could exist... I think at this height, either of those genera would start leaning/falling over looking for help from surrounding vegetation/canopy.
If it's Chamaedorea that would explain why there aren't any spines. C. pochutlensis does not occur in this territory, according to the Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas (Henderson et. al. 1995). They say it is similar to C. costaricana, which is in this area; but they describe the leaflets being up to 5 cm wide. The ones on this species are wider than that.
Any more suggestions? I might have mentioned, I'm no palm specialist. Your input is appreciated:it points me to the relevant research.
Thanks all.
I came across a Calamus just a couple of months back that did look a bit similar, that's why I took notice of it. Didn't in fact think it was a Calamus at first. It was in rainforest, had some spines but no where near as much as most other Calamus I've seen. Later I identified it in my palm book but can't remember the species now.
I've only got 2 Chamaedoreas, the seifrizii are the only ones flowering (which they do nearly constantly) but the inflorescences are upright rather than drooping.
OK Thanks, everyone.
