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
Euterpe precatoria
Asai Palm
Mart.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tall, elegant, single-stemmed canopy palm tree growing up to 20 meters. It features a slender grey trunk, a smooth green crownshaft, and a crown of gracefully drooping pinnate fronds. It produces small, round, dark purple-black berries born on large branched clusters.
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.Euterpe
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Mart.
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.
Decreasing
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
Predominantly native to lowland tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin and Central America. It thrives in non-flooded terra firme forests, gallery forests, and poorly drained moist areas with high annual 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
As an essential canopy component, it plays a vital role in forest succession and regeneration. It functions monoeciously with a specialized flowering strategy (protandry) where male flowers mature and drop before female flowers open to enforce cross-pollination.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)
300.0 - 2000.0 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
Features specialized stilt or prop roots at the base that provide mechanical stability in waterlogged soils and assist in gas exchange.
Exhibits high shade tolerance during its juvenile seedling and sapling stages, allowing it to survive under dense forest canopies until light gaps open.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destructive overharvesting for heart of palm (palmito). Because it is a single-stemmed palm, harvesting the apical meristem kills the entire tree.
Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and land conversion for agriculture or cattle ranching across the Amazon region.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is estimated to be mathematically the most abundant tree species in the Amazon Basin, comprising over 5 billion individual adult stems, yet it is highly vulnerable to local extinction due to commercial extraction.