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
Oenocarpus bataua
Patawa Palm
Mart.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A majestic, tall, solitary canopy palm growing up to 25 meters high. It features a smooth, dark dark-grey to blackish trunk, an erect crown of massive pinnate leaves up to 8 meters long, and dense horse-tail-like inflorescences that produce abundant dark-purple, oil-rich, oval fruits.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Patawa PalmPalma pacayaSejeMajoMilpesosBataua Palm
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.Oenocarpus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Mart.
Record Completeness
84%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.
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 tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin, the Chocó region, and parts of Central America. It prefers poorly drained, seasonally flooded lowlands, swampy areas, and riversides, but can also adapt well to terra firme forests on rich 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
This keystone plant species exhibits slow development but carries immense environmental influence. It follows a monoecious flowering scheme characterized by protandry, ensuring cross-fertilization through specialist insect activity, mostly tiny curculionid beetles.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)
1000.0 - 25000.0 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 specialized, high-density root mats combined with aerotropic pneumatophores that allow the palm to successfully undergo prolonged soil waterlogging and maintain oxygen intake.
Develops unique, rigid, spine-like fibers (patawa needles) along the leaf sheaths that provide structural defense for the apical meristem against boring insects and climbing mammals during its younger stages.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destructive harvesting techniques where the entire mature palm is cut down by humans just to gather its high-value oily fruit clusters or the palm heart.
Loss of primary swamp habitats due to drainage projects, large-scale logging operations, and land conversion for industrial agro-pastoral ventures.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The high-quality green oil extracted from its fruit pulp is chemically nearly identical to olive oil in its fatty acid composition and is prized both as a nutritious milk-substitute drink and for premium cosmetics.