Grugru Palm

Acrocomia is a genus of palms which is native to the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico in the north, through Central America and the Caribbean, and through South America south to Argentina.

 Acrocomia is a genus of spiny, pinnate-leaved palms which range from large trees to small palms with short, subterranean stems.

The species bears branched inflorescences which are located among the leaves. The flowers are unisexual; female flowers are born near the base of the inflorescence, while male flowers are borne towards the tips. Fruits are large, single-seeded, and vary in colour from yellow, to orange, to brown.

Acrocomia is considered to be at an early phase of development as an alternative and multipurpose crop.

Species: 

• Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex R.Keith - Mexico, Central America, West Indies, northern South America
• Acrocomia crispa (Kunth) C. Baker ex. Becc. - Cuba
• Acrocomia emensis (Toledo) Lorenzi - Brazil
• Acrocomia glaucescens Lorenzi - Brazil
• Acrocomia hassleri (Barb.Rodr.) W.J.Hahn - Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraguay
• Acrocomia intumescens Drude - Brazil
• Acrocomia media O.F.Cook - Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
• Acrocomia mexicana Karw. ex Mart. - Yucatán, Mexico
• Acrocomia totai Mart. - Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, southern Brazil