Grugru palm, Acrocomia aculeata, is the sole species in the genus Acrocomia. This tree is a species of palm native to tropical regions of the Americas. It can grow in a wide variety of climates and situations, but is generally limited to areas of South America and much less common to the rest of the world.


Grugru palm (nut tree) grows to 15-20 m tall, with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter. Numerous slender, black, viciously sharp 10 cm long spines point out from the trunk. The leaves are 3-4 m long, with numerous slender, 50-100 cm long leaflets. The flowers are small, produced on a large branched inflorescence.

Grugru Palm Fruit and Nuts

The fruit is a yellowish-green drupe 2.5-5 cm in diameter, containing a single, dark brown, hard, edible nut-like seed 2-3 cm diameter. They appear in large numbers very tough to break with a dry white filling that has an almost sweet taste when eaten. The nut yields a yellow butter, with the perfume of violets, which used in making violet soap.

Grugru Palm Propagation Methods

Plant propagation is by seed. Seeds germinate in 4-6 months and should be scarified to hasten germination. Warm conditions with temperatures above 24ºC are required. Plant it away from living areas and walkways where the fearsome armament of spines cannot inflict harm!

grugru palm, acrocomia aculeata

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