Attalea speciosa, commonly known as the babassu palm, is a perennial herb native to the Cerrado and Amazon Rainforest ecosystems in Brazil and other parts of South America. It can grow up to 66 feet (20 meters) tall with a clear trunk and a crown of large, feathery fronds. The babassu palm produces clusters of small white flowers that are pollinated by insects, followed by woody fruits containing several oil-rich seeds from which babassu oil is extracted. The flowering season varies, but it generally occurs during the wet season, and the flowers are not particularly showy. The babassu palm is adapted to a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soils.

The babassu palm is valued for its multiple uses, including the extraction of babassu oil, which is utilized in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products. The leaves are used for thatch, mats, and making handicrafts, while the sturdy wood is used for construction. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance once established and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it can become invasive in pasture areas, where it competes with grasses for space and resources. The babassu palm is also being studied for its potential as a biofuel source, with its oil being tested in jet fuel blends. In traditional medicine, parts of the plant are used for their supposed therapeutic properties.CC BY-SA 4.0