an important genus of palms, described by Spix and Martins as found in the dense forests of Brazil. The fibres of the leaf-stalks of A. junifera afford the finest cordage for the Brazilian navy. The fruit of A. compta is about the size of the egg of a goose, and contains an excellent kernel. Its leaves form excellent thatch. A. speciosa affords oily nuts, which are applied to various useful purposes in Brazil.