PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Welfia regia
Royal Palm
Mast., 1869
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Solitary and robust palm reaching up to 20-25 meters in height. Its trunk is smooth and grayish. The leaves are large and pinnate; new leaves emerge with a spectacular bronze, pink, or reddish color before turning green. Its inflorescences are dense, pendulous, and branched.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Palma amargaWelfia
Welfia palmCamónTaxonomyBiological 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.Welfia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Mast., 1869
Record Completeness
93%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.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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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 low-lying humid rainforests from Honduras to western Colombia. It is a key species in the canopy and sub-canopy of primary forests with high rainfall.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
It is a relatively slow-growing palm that can live for centuries. The reddish coloration of its young leaves acts as protection against UV radiation and herbivory before the tissues harden.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)
2000.0 - 2500.0 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
New leaves with anthocyanin pigments (red/bronze) to protect young chloroplasts from the sun.
Extremely flexible trunk that allows it to withstand tropical storm winds without breaking.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal seed extraction and deforestation for agricultural expansion.
Habitat fragmentation that reduces populations of large bird dispersers needed for its life cycle.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
In Costa Rica, it is very common in Tortuguero National Park and the Sarapiquí area.
Unlike other palms, its heavy inflorescences and fruits can pose a danger if they fall on young understory.