Coyupe Palm (Aiphanes horrida)
Quantity : x10 Seeds

The Coyupe Palm is a visually striking, single-stemmed, evergreen palm native to the lush lowland and montane forests of northern South America, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and the island of Trinidad. It is commonly found growing in rainforests and dry forests from sea level up to 1,700 meters in elevation, though it thrives best between 500–1,500 meters.


Botanical Overview

Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
Stem Diameter: 6–10 cm
Stem Characteristics: Unbranched, armed with long, sharp black spines, especially in younger plants

Crown: Composed of 10–15 arching leaves, each up to several meters long, forming a dense, attractive canopy


Climate and Growing Conditions
The Coyupe Palm is a moist to wet tropical species, naturally adapted to warm, humid environments with an average annual temperature range of 22–27°C, tolerating extremes from 18 to 32°C. It cannot withstand frost, and may be killed by temperatures below -1°C.

It adapts well to a wide range of rainfall conditions, from 1,000 to 5,000 mm per year, and grows well both in regions with distinct dry seasons and areas that remain humid year-round.

Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun. Young plants prefer dappled light, while mature palms tolerate full sunlight.

Soil Preferences: Grows best in well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter. Tolerates a pH range of 4.5 to 7, but thrives in slightly acidic conditions (pH 5–6.5).

Growth Rate: Fast-growing and generally easy to cultivate under suitable conditions.

Edible Uses
The Coyupe Palm bears small, rounded fruits that are occasionally collected from the wild and consumed locally. While the flesh is only mildly sweet and not widely commercialized, it contains valuable vitamin A and is sometimes eaten fresh.

The seeds, however, are particularly notable. They are edible, oily, and have a distinct coconut-like flavor, making them a traditional ingredient in candies and sweets. The oil content gives them a smooth texture, and they may be consumed raw or used as a flavoring base.

Other Uses
Ornamental Value: Widely cultivated across tropical regions as an ornamental tree, the Coyupe Palm is prized for its exotic silhouette, spiny trunk, and dense leaf crown. It is often used in landscaping for tropical-themed gardens, botanical parks, and estate borders.

Cultural Uses: In some regions, the seeds are used for traditional games, carved or polished for use in simple toys.

Ecological Role: The palm contributes to the forest structure by providing shelter for small animals and insects, and its fruits may be consumed by wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.

Propagation
By Seed: Seeds germinate easily, usually within 1 to 2 months when sown in warm, moist conditions.

Seed Handling: For best results, use fresh seeds, as viability drops over time. Seeds can be sown in loose, moist, well-aerated substrate in partial shade.

Known Hazards
No known toxic effects to humans or animals. However, the sharp black spines covering the trunk can pose a hazard during handling or planting, especially in public or high-traffic areas.