Skip to main content
Acrocomia aculeata

Acrocomia aculeata

9.9
A tropical palm tree with a spiny trunk and edible nuts
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Acrocomia aculeata
  • The Acrocomia aculeata is valued for its edible nuts and durable palm oil.

Examples

  • The spiny trunk of the Acrocomia aculeata deters many animals from climbing it.

  • The Acrocomia aculeata is native to tropical America.

  • Farmers in Brazil often plant Acrocomia aculeata to harvest its fruit for cooking.

  • Many farmers cultivate Acrocomia aculeata for its nuts.

  • Farmers in Brazil often plant Acrocomia aculeata to harvest its edible nuts for cooking.

  • The Acrocomia aculeata palm tree is known for its spiny trunk and nutritious fruit.

  • In tropical climates, the Acrocomia aculeata is a popular choice for those seeking palm oil.

Synonyms

grugru
vsAcrocomia aculeata
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical palm with a thick spiny trunk and nuts you can eat

is the scientific name used instead of the common name
macamba
vsAcrocomia aculeata
  • US
9.9

A tropical palm with a thick spiny trunk and edible nuts

is the scientific name used instead of the common name
gri-gri
vsAcrocomia aculeata
  • US
9.9

A palm tree with a thick spiny trunk and nuts you can eat

is the scientific name used instead of the common name
grugru palm
vsAcrocomia aculeata
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical tree with a swollen spiny trunk and edible nuts

is the scientific name used instead of the common name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Acrocomia + aculeata

This is a scientific binomial in Latin; its parts are taxonomic names rather than ordinary English words, and the second element ('aculeata') is not a common English word (and lacks a dictionary gloss here). A B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive 'a tropical American palm tree' from them because understanding requires botanical/Latin knowledge beyond everyday vocabulary.

Etymology

Acrocomia aculeata gives a clear picture: a tall tropical palm with a thick, spiny trunk and clusters of edible nuts. The second word, aculeata, means 'spiny', so the name helps you remember the tree by its sharp spines and useful nuts, which is why it is often called the 'macaw palm'.