Attalea
(from attalus, magnificent; referring to the beauty of the genus). ORD. Palmae. A genus of handsome stove Palms, distinguished from other genera in having the pinnae arranged vertically, and not horizontally. The leaves spring up almost perpendicularly at the base, but in the upper part arch over. The pinnae stand at right angles to the rachis-which is very narrow in proportion to its thickness-and while those of the lower side of the arch hang straight down, those of the upper side point straight up. They thrive well in a mixture of peat and loam in equal quantities, and enjoy a copious supply of water. Summer temperature, 65deg. to 80deg.; winter, 55deg. to 60deg. All the species are robust trees; but, although several have been introduced, few appear to be generally grown.
A. amygdalina (Almond-fruited).* l. pinnate, 3ft. to 6ft. long; pinnae 12in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. broad; terminal lobe broad and bifld, rich dark green. Stem slender. New Grenada. One of the best. SYN. A. nucifera. A. Cohune (Cohune).* l. erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate, furnished with from three to four dozen dark green pinnae, sometimes 18in. in length; petioles rounded, and dark brown below, flat and green upon the upper side. Plant unarmed. h. 50ft. or more in its native habitat. Honduras.
A. compta (decked). h. 22ft. Brazil, 1820.
A. cxcelsa (tall).* h. 70ft. Brazil, 1826.
A. funifera (rope-bearing). The Piassaba Palm. l. vivid deep green, very ornamental, and of economic value in Brazil. 1824. The sheathing bases of the leafstalks separate into a coarse black fringe, which is collected and exported to Europe, being used in the manufacture of brooms, brushes, &c.
A. nucifera (nut-bearing). A synonym of A. amygdalina.
A. Speciosa (showy).* h. 70ft. Brazil, 1825.
A. spectabilis (remarkable). h. 70ft. Brazil, 1824