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
Chamaedorea tepejilote
Pacaya Palm
Liebm.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small to medium-sized, often multi-stemmed understory palm growing up to 7 meters high, featuring prominent bamboo-like ringed trunks. It is widely famous in Mesoamerica for its edible, immature male inflorescences, which resemble small ears of corn wrapped in husks and have a distinctly bitter, gourmet flavor profile.
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.Chamaedorea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Liebm.
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
Native to the dense, wet tropical rainforests and premontane cloud forests spanning from southern Mexico through Central America down to Colombia. It strictly requires deep shade, high humidity, and damp, organic-rich, well-draining soils, frequently occurring on karstic limestone slopes.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
Acts as a key elements of the forest understory dynamics. It has a slow to moderate growth rate and depends on an intact primary structure to survive; clear-cutting and the resulting exposure to direct wind and drying quickly scorches its foliage.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)
200.0 - 700.0 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
Possesses highly flexible, flexible stipes (trunks) and pinnate leaves that can tolerate physical damage from falling forest debris and heavy downpours without destroying the plant's structural integrity.
Features ultra-efficient, low-light photosynthetic pigments adapted to capture light at the minimal thresholds found underneath multi-layered jungle canopies.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Local wild populations are severely pressured by destructive over-harvesting, as entire wild plants are often cut down or stripped of their developing edible inflorescences before they can reproduce, alongside rapid continuous deforestation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The unopened male flower spike is a traditional culinary delicacy across Guatemala, El Salvador, and southern Mexico, commonly eaten raw in salads, wrapped in egg batter and fried, or pickled in jars.