Pholidostachys dactyloides

Pholidostachys dactyloides H.E.Moore

Pholidostachys dactyloides is a palm species in the Arecaceae family, native to regions in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. It is characterized by solitary stems, variable leaf morphology, and inflorescences with one to two orders of branching. The species exhibits significant variation in elevation and geographic populations, with morphological differences observed in rachilla length and proximal lip shape. It is found in several localities, including national parks and botanical gardens in Colombia.

Description

Pholidostachys dactyloides has stems up to 10.0 m long and 12.0 cm in diameter. Leaves are 6 to 25 per stem, with sheaths up to 110.0 cm long, petioles up to 122.0 cm, and rachises up to 231.0 cm long. Pinnae vary in length and angle relative to the rachis. Inflorescences have a well-developed peduncle and several rachillae, with fibrous prophylls and peduncular bracts. Fruits are obovoid, with longitudinal ridges. The species shows morphological variation across its range, with populations in Panama and northern Colombia differing from those in southern Colombia and Ecuador. Regression analysis indicates associations between elevation and several morphological traits, including leaf number, rachis width, and rachilla dimensions.

Distribution

CHOCÓ_QUIBDÓ_ALTAGRACIA · Parque Nacional Natural Las Orquídeas · Cerro Tacarcuna · Antioquia, Cauca, Chocó, Nariño, Risaralda, Valle · Chocó: Nuquí; Valle del Cauca: Buenaventura; Nariño: Mosquera, Tumaco; Antioquia: Frontino, Mutatá, Urrao · Municipios de Tadó y Condoto, Distrito minero del San Juan · Jardín Botánico de Bogotá · Cerro Mecana, municipio Bahía Solano, Chocó · Colombia · Ecuador · Panamá