Scientific Name:
Mauritia flexuosa
Common Name:
Buriti, Bority, Buriti Do Brejo, Coquiero Buriti, Mirití, Muriti, Mority (Brazil) / Morete (Ecuador) / Canangucha, Canangucho, Moriche, Palma De Moriche, Chomiya (Colombia) / Aguaje, Aguashi, Aguachi, Aeta, Achual, Canaguacha, Cananguacho (Peru) / Moriche (Venezuela, Trinidad) / Ita (Guyana) / Palmier Bàche (French Guiana) / Palma Real, Caranday-Guazu (Bolivia).
Family:
Arecaceae
50,00 $
The aguaje is an essential component of Amazonian ecosystems and plays a crucial role in the subsistence of local communities and the conservation of biodiversity. In their adult stage, these palms can reach up to 35 meters in height and 50 centimeters in diameter. Each palm generates around 725 fruits per cluster and an estimated production of 290 kilos per palm. The fruit plays a vital role in the food chain of tropical forests, being consumed by various species, from peccaries and sachavacas to birds and fish.
Since ancient times, native communities have taken advantage of this palm in a versatile way: through direct consumption of the fruit pulp, rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates. Through oil extraction. The tender stem is cut to obtain edible palm hearts. The fibers of the leaves are extracted to make cordage, baskets and hammocks.
Its “majesty” the Aguaje – also known as moriche or burahem – is one of the most significant non-timber resources from ecological, social and economic perspectives. The “aguajeras”, in charge of its commercialization, are key elements in the local economy of Amazonian cities, such as Iquitos, where approximately 20 tons are consumed per day. The natural populations of “aguajales” are not only essential from an economic point of view, but also represent centers of genetic diversity, especially in the department of Loreto. Aguajales are also potent carbon sinks, storing more than 600 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, making them a vital component in climate change mitigation. It was the first Amazonian palm described by science in 1781, highlighting its historical importance in the exploration and understanding of Amazonian biodiversity.
Consider other plants in the same category
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