Contributions to the genus Euterpe Mart.
Item
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Title
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Contributions to the genus Euterpe Mart.
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Identifier
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AAI9510725
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identifier
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9510725
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Creator
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Strudwick, Jeremy.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Jack Valdovinos
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Date
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1993
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Botany | Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife | Biology, Anatomy
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Abstract
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This work focuses upon the neotropical palm genus Euterpe Mart. It's taxonomic and nomenclatural history is treated in depth. The prolific palm specialist, H. E. Moore, called the nomenclatural problems of the genus the most vexing among palms. Euterpe has been split by some into two genera, Euterpe and Prestoea. The differences between the two are inconsistent and Euterpe should be maintained as one at present, without recognition of Prestoea.;Euterpe is of significant economic importance. The most utilized species is E. oleracea. This species is the major world source of heart of palm and it's fruits provide a 'mush' (food liquid) which is a major part of the diet of tens of thousands in the Amazon estuary. Detailed studies of it's many uses, and especially these two major ones, were made in the Amazon estuary and are included here. Extensive information is provided on the multiple use of the entire genus based upon in-depth literature searches.;E. oleracea is abundant and important in agroforestry systems in the Amazon estuary. Such a system is described here, and the abundance and frequency of this species, especially as illustrated by the author's extended profile, plotted and drawn from Amazonian forest, is provided. The most important center of today's palm heart industry is the Amazon estuary. Since E. oleracea has multiple stems, it can yield sustained, renewable harvests, especially when harvesting is managed. To illustrate this, a study is included which observed the management of the forest practiced by one company on the large island of Marajo in the estuary. Conservationists should recognize the importance of economic forces and support systems such as this one that combine economics and conservation.;A detailed pollination study provides data on the floral morphology, biology, floral arrangement and phenology of E. oleracea, as well as insect visitors and behaviour. Scarab beetles are most strongly implicated as pollinators, although many others may be involved also. Finally, preliminary leaf anatomical studies of transverse commissures presented here show some difference between Euterpe and Prestoea but do not warrant recognition of the latter.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
