LEAF AND INFLORESCENCE PRODUCTION OF THE WINE PALM (Attalea butyracea) IN THE DRY MAGDALENA RIVER VALLEY, COLOMBIA

The leaves of the wine palm (Attalea butyracea) are collected and harvested along the Magdalena River Valley in Colombia. Young leaves are used as a ceremonial symbol on Palm Sunday, and expanded leaves are used for thatching and for making handicrafts. In order to document leaf production and to evaluate the effect of leaf extraction on growth and development, we marked 80 individuals under extractive conditions and 40 individuals under non-extractive conditions and we followed leaf production during seven months. We also studied inflorescence production for one year to evaluate the potential of A. butyracea as a source of sap for sugar manufacture. Leaf production in juveniles and sub-adults was correlated to the number of expanded leaves. Leaf production in adults was correlated with the number of expanded leaves and with stem size. Palms flower throughout the year, and several inflorescences develop simultaneously. The flowering peak occurs during the drier season. Inflorescence production was correlated to the stem height and to the number of expanded leaves, and it is probably affected by leaf harvest. We recommend leaf extraction only from individuals with stem over 3 m and with more than 25 expanded leaves. Inflorescence production of A. butyracea gives the palm a potential for sap extraction.