Bactris

Bactris is a genus of tropical American palms known for their pinnate leaves and spiny trunks. These palms produce small fruits with fibrous pulp enclosing a hard nut, which can be oily and sometimes edible. The name "Bactris" originates from the Greek word for "stick" or "staff".1

This genus is part of the larger palm family, which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with major centers of abundance in the Americas and Asia. Palms have adapted to diverse habitats, from lowland rainforests to higher altitudes, and can be found in various conditions including swamps, estuaries, and even deserts if underground water is available. The genus Bactris is notable for having a large number of species, second only to Calamus.23