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The ivory palm, Phytelephas aequatorialis, is endemic to Ecuador and locally known as Tagua. The palm is linked to a large community of organisms, including some species of flying insects acting as pollen vectors. The first part of the HOTPALM project is focused on understanding the interaction between the palm flowers and the pollinator insects. Some of these insect species are presented here. The palm is also a support for many animals (birds, mammals, snakes, frogs, arthropods…), and its fruits are dispersed by frugivorous mammals.

 

The palm as a support for commensal animals

Pests

Seed dispersors