makuna

Makuna, also known as Patawa, is a palm tree native to the Amazon rainforest. It is a prominent species in flooded areas, particularly along riverbanks and in várzea forests. The Makuna palm is easily recognizable by its slender, segmented trunk that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. Its fronds are large and pinnate, forming a dense canopy.

The fruit of the Makuna palm is a key resource for both wildlife and local communities. The fruits are typically oval and ripen to a reddish-brown color, containing a fleshy pulp surrounding a single seed. This pulp is edible and has a slightly oily texture, often consumed raw or used in culinary preparations. Various animals, including monkeys, birds, and rodents, feed on the Makuna fruit, playing a role in seed dispersal.

Indigenous communities in the Amazon have traditionally utilized the Makuna palm for a variety of purposes. The trunk can be used for construction, providing durable timber for building homes and other structures. The palm leaves are often employed for thatching roofs. Furthermore, the oil extracted from the fruit is a valuable resource, used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and sometimes in traditional crafts. The Makuna palm is an integral part of the Amazonian ecosystem and a significant resource for its human inhabitants.