New palm tree species discovered in Colombian Amazon

New palm tree species discovered in Colombian Amazon

Two researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered and described a new, previously unknown palm species found in the virgin forests of Colombia. In close cooperation with a local indigenous community, they mapped the geographical distribution of the palm species and subjected their study to a local peer review process. The research is published in the journal Phytotaxa.

Collaborative Research on Equal Footing in the Amazon

In the dense, ancient woodlands of southeastern Colombia, a groundbreaking botanical discovery has come to light. Rodrigo Cámara-Leret, a professor at the University of Zurich’s Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, along with his PhD student Juan Carlos Copete, unearthed a new species of palm tree — one previously unknown to science but deeply familiar to the indigenous Cacua community inhabiting the region. This palm, christened At…

New Palm Species Discovered in the Rainforest – in Collaboration with Locals

18.03.2026 - Two researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered and described a new, previously unknown palm species found in the virgin forests of Colombia. In close cooperation with a local indigenous community, they mapped the geographical distribution of the palm species and subjected their study to a local peer review process.