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
Asterogyne martiana
Suita Palm
(H.Wendl.) H.Wendl. ex Hemsl., 1885
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Asterogyne martiana is a small and elegant palm, characteristic of the deep understory of very wet tropical rainforests. It is distinguished by its solitary, slender, and short stem, which rarely exceeds 2 meters in height, often covered by the bases of old leaves. Its most iconic feature is the foliage: it has simple, undivided (entire) leaves with a bifid (V-shaped) form at the apex, giving it a geometric and refined appearance. The leaves are leathery, lustrous dark green, and have very marked parallel veins. The inflorescence arises among the leaves, is erect, and features slender branches covered with tiny flowers, usually white or creamy. Its fruits are small ellipsoidal berries that turn purplish-black when ripe. It is a key architectural species that defines the visual texture of the forest's lower layer.
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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.Asterogyne
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(H.Wendl.) H.Wendl. ex Hemsl., 1885
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
It inhabits exclusively the shaded understory of very wet tropical rainforests, from sea level up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in altitude. It requires constant high humidity and light heavily filtered by the upper canopy. It is a species native to the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands, with a notable presence in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, frequently associated with soils high in organic matter.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 fundamental species for understory biodiversity. Its flowers attract small pollinators like bees and flies, while its fruits are an important food source for small birds and terrestrial rodents. As a low-growing palm, its leaves provide shelter for various invertebrates and small amphibians against heavy rain.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)
100.0 - 200.0 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
Entire and Bifid Leaf for Light Capture: Inhabiting the lowest level of the forest where light is scarce, its broad, undivided leaf maximizes the surface area for photosynthesis. The bifid shape at the apex helps channel rainwater and debris toward the base of the stem, optimizing resource utilization.
Deep Shade Tolerance: Asterogyne has evolved to maintain an efficient metabolism under conditions of extremely low solar radiation, allowing it to survive and reproduce in the shady understory where other palms fail to thrive.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation: As a primary understory specialist, the loss of forest cover and the alteration of internal forest humidity levels severely impact its survival.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Traditional Thatching Palm: In some regions of Costa Rica and Panama, Suita leaves have been traditionally used by local communities for thatching houses due to their durability and the way the entire leaves overlap perfectly.