PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Geonoma deversa
Geonoma Palm
(Poit.) Kunth
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, elegant, multi-stemmed understory palm forming dense colonies in tropical lowlands. It features slender, cane-like ringed trunks that support variable, deeply split or sometimes entire bifid leaves. It produces highly branched inflorescences arising from below the leaves, bearing small, round, dark purple to black fruits when ripe.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Arecales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Arecaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Geonoma
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Poit.) Kunth
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Widely distributed throughout the wet tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Belize down to Brazil and Bolivia. It is a defining component of the dense primary understory, strictly favoring shaded environments with high humidity, constant rainfall, and acidic, poorly drained to well-drained alluvial soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A foundational understory species that forms multi-stemmed thickets, providing structural architectural density near the forest floor. It is hyper-dependent on steady micro-environmental conditions and drops its vitality rapidly if canopy gaps induce sudden thermal stress.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 400.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The flexible cane-like stems allow the palm to bend and absorb the physical impact of large falling branches from the canopy above, facilitating rapid resprouting from the base if damaged.
Features broad, highly adapted understory foliage that maximizes the capture of flecks of sunlight (sunflecks) shifting through the dense forest layers.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Subject to localized habitat destruction through selective logging and agricultural expansion, which disrupts the delicate humid microclimate of the primary forest understory.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Leaves of Geonoma deversa are exceptionally durable and are gathered sustainably or intensively by indigenous communities across the Amazon and Central America to construct high-quality, waterproof thatched roofs.