Syagrus Romanzoffiana Research Articles

Lectotipificación de los nombres descritos por J. Barbosa Rodrigues en la obra “Palmae novae Paraguayenses”

Abstract Stauffer, F., L. Ramella, E. Ferreira & L. Noblick (2016). Lectotypification of names proposed by J. Barbosa Rodrigues in the publication “Palmae novae Paraguayenses”. Candollea 71: 105–115. In Spanish, English and Spanish abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2016v711a13 In the frame of the treatment of the family Palmae to be published in the Flora del Paraguay, lectotypes are designated for the following names described by J. Barbosa Rodrigues in the publication “Palmae novae Paraguayenses”: Attalea guaranitica Barb. Rodr., Bactris anisitsii Barb. Rodr., Cocos paraguayensis Barb. Rodr. and Cocos sapida Barb. Rodr. The latter is here proposed as a new synonym of the widely distributed South-eastern Brazil - Southern Cone palm Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman. The fate of the important palm collection gathered by Barbosa Rodrigues is here discussed and notes on the palms described in the publication are added in order to better define their taxonomic identity.

The key role of the largest extant Neotropical frugivore (Tapirus terrestris) in promoting admixture of plant genotypes across the landscape

AbstractThe historical and contemporary loss of large‐bodied frugivores has disrupted many plant‐disperser mutualisms, with potentially profound consequences for plants. Although several aspects of seed dispersal by megafrugivores have already been examined, the role of these species in promoting seed‐mediated gene flow has remained unexplored. We evaluated the role of the Amazonian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the largest Neotropical frugivore, in shaping plant genetic structure through seed‐mediated gene flow. We used microsatellites to analyze the genetic patterns of Syagrus romanzoffiana seedlings recruited in tapir latrines and around conspecific adult palms, the two sites where seeds and seedlings are most frequently found in this species. While the genetic diversity of seedlings was rather similar in both sites, the kinship structure was substantially weaker in latrines. Most seedlings recruited around adult palms were half‐ or full‐sibs originating from those adults. In contrast, seedlings recruited in latrines came from several (>5, on average) contributing mothers other than the nearest adult (95%) and were mostly non‐sibs (72%). Kinship patterns indicated that tapir‐mediated dispersal promotes the admixture of genotypes across space. Also, our results suggested that genetic diversity and the number of contributing mothers in latrines increase with the number of fruiting adults visited by tapirs before defecating and with the accumulation of feces over time. We provide evidence of the relevance of tapirs in mobilizing maternal progenies (and genotypes) across the landscape and recruiting clusters of unrelated seedlings. This study suggests a key role for plant–megafrugivore interactions in seed‐mediated gene flow and emphasizes the importance of preserving such mutualisms.

Reproductive phenology, seed removal and early regeneration in relation to distance from parental plants of a native palm in small Atlantic forest fragments

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a global biodiversity hotspot, but most of what remains are small fragments. Small fragments are often harsh environments for forest plant recruitment due to edge effects and the loss of frugivorous animals that provide seed dispersal. We recorded the one-year reproductive phenology of the keystone palm Syagrus romanzoffiana in small (<2.5ha) Atlantic Forest fragments in southeastern Brazil. We tested the Janzen-Connell hypothesis with seed-removal experiments and followed the five-year survival of recruits in relation to the distance from parental plants. Palms produced many fruits throughout the year (mean 2,600/plant). More seedlings were found away from parental plants than near them, thereby supporting the Janzen-Connell hypothesis. Almost 45% of seedlings alive in 2010 were dead five years later, but recruitment of new seedlings compensated for this mortality. Distance-dependent factors influenced the density of early ontogenetic stages, but had limited effects on juveniles or on seed removal. High seed production, seed dispersal provided by disturbance-tolerant frugivores and the relatively long-term survival of adults, seedlings and juveniles seem to allow the persistence of S. romanzoffiana in the forest fragments, but possibly at the cost of an increased clumped distribution and reduced gene flow at the landscape scale.

Biogeochemical coefficients as indicators of nutrient element sorption in jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana (Chamisso) Glassman), a palm tree species from Brazil

The absorption coefficients usually applied to biogeochemical prospection may provide information on the substrate (soil) in natural and contaminated ecosystems, since the chemical composition of the plants tends to reflect the availability of the elements. The biogeochemical coefficients could be a parameter to assess the bioaccumulation potential of a flora species, interactions involving the soil–plant system, and presence or absence of contaminants, such as metals. This study applies the biological absorption coefficient, the temporal absorption coefficient, and the acropetal coefficient as parameters to evaluate the differential absorption in the selected representative species. The Syagrus romanzoffiana (Chamisso) Glassman chosen as a representative species in this study is a palm tree species commonly known in Brazil as “palmeira jeriva” (jeriva palm tree). The representative species is widely used in landscaping and vegetation restoration in urban areas. It shows major regional dispersion and is endemic in South America. The results indicate that jeriva palm tree could be a useful indicator of soil contamination in tropical areas.

Estudo fenológico de Bactris gasipaes Kunth,Euterpe edulis Mart. e Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman no Vale do Ribeira, SP, Brasil

RESUMO As informações fenológicas permitem compreender a biologia das espécies, o seu ciclo vital e sua ocorrência temporal. Objetivando avaliar os eventos fenológicos das palmeiras Bactris gasipaes, Euterpe edulis eSyagrus romanzoffiana, no Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, foram registradas quinzenalmente as fenofases de 15 indivíduos representando cada espécie, durante 24 meses. Dois eventos reprodutivos foram observados, e ocorreram como um evento singular anual, com variações na intensidade reprodutiva entre as espécies e de um ano para outro. A presença de frutos maduros por até sete meses consecutivos, evidenciou-se como uma fenofase duradoura, com disponibilidade inclusive em período com precipitação e temperatura baixas. Em Bactris gasipaes, o processo durou 147 dias desde a abertura da espata floral até o desenvolvimento de frutos maduros, já em Euterpe edulis esse processo demorou 280 dias, enquanto em Syagrus romanzoffiana a duração foi de 174 dias.

Preliminary Evaluation of Electrical Resistance Tomography for Imaging Palm Trunks

In a preliminary study, electrical resistance tomography (ERT) was used to obtain trunk images of Syagrus romanzoffiana, a common ornamental palm grown in southern Florida, U.S. Seven palms, four healthy and three diseased, were evaluated in the middle of the dry season, with four located in an irrigated site and three in a non-irrigated site. Two healthy and three diseased palms were felled and cross sections obtained to examine their internal structure and compare to the tomograms obtained. ERT was effective in illustrating the relative electrical resistance value of healthy palms, as the tomograms obtained for palms situated in the irrigated site (low electrical resistivity) were distinctly different from the tomograms of palms situated in the non-irrigated site (high electrical resistivity). ERT was also effective in visualizing internal palm trunk areas affected by the fungal pathogens Ganoderma zonatum, a wood decay pathogen, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum, a vascular wilt pathogen, as these areas had a low electrical resistivity.

Effect of adding flours from marolo fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart) and jerivá fruit (Syagrus romanzoffiana Cham Glassm) on the physicals and sensory characteristics of food bars

The marolo (Annona crassiflora Mart.) and jeriva (Syagrus romanzoffiana Cham Glassm) fruits grow in the Cerrado biome, and have important sensory and nutritional characteristics. These fruits are eaten fresh or processed and embedded in ice cream, candy, juices, and liquors. However, their use is very limited and is localized exclusively to their native region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of these fruits in food consumer products to improve the nutritional patterns of consumers and extend knowledge thereof. To do this, different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of flour derived from the marolo and jeriva fruits were incorporated into food bars, which were then characterized in terms of their physical of the texture (TPA), porosity, color and sensorial properties. The food bars enriched with marolo and jeriva flours had an intense yellow color and increased hardness relative to the control bars; the porosity of the bars progressively decreased as the amount of flour added increased. The sensorial analysis in the snack bars developed added with the fruits flour no was influence by incorporation this component, showed good averages for the scores evaluated.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO FLORÍSTICA DA MATA CILIAR DO ARROIO JACAQUÁ – ALEGRETE/RS

This paper presents a characterization of the riparian forest of Jacaqua stream, Alegrete. The Jacaqua stream, located in the eastern part of the city of Alegrete, in the 2nd District of step New, is a tributary on the left bank of Ibicui river, and the vegetation of the watershed under study stands out for two distinct formations: the country and forest. For the elaboration of geographic location map, the TrackMaker Professional GPS Software and Corel Draw X6 were used, the cartographic base vector of the RS and satellite images. The floristic survey of qualitative nature was developed, based on the traversal methodology, ended the samples from the stabilization of the collector curve the collection and follow-up time was extended for one year. The floristic samples collected revealed that this forest is mainly characterized by species such as Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl., Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman., Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez, Symplocos uniflora (Pohl) Benth., Eugenia uniflora L., among others. This work results in a significant subsidy for activities related to environmental management and education in the municipality and region, because in general the population is unaware of the existing native plant species, even if they constitute one of the main elements of the biota to be considered.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND TETRAZOLIUM TEST OF Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman SEEDS

ABSTRACT Queen palm is a tropical species of ecological importance and economic potential in various uses, including food. However, the knowledge about the nutritional value of fruits and the estimation of seed viability are still scarce. The aims of this work were to study the biometrics and chemical composition of fruits and seeds; describe the anatomy of embryos and assess the viability of the tetrazolium test. Mature fruits were collected, processed and submitted to biometry, water content, pulp and seeds chemical composition, germination and emergence in the laboratory evaluations. For the tetrazolium test, whole embryos were immersed in solution at 40 °C for one, two, four and six hours and compared with germination. The fruit pulp is rich in carbohydrates. The tetrazolium test performed at 40 ° C and 0.2% solution for two hours is adequate to estimate seed viability.

Seed germination of queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is affected by storage and fruit ripening stage

Seed germination of queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is affected by storage and fruit ripening stage

Nest Building by Monk Parakeets Myiopsitta monachus in Urban Parks in Buenos Aires, Argentina: Are Tree Species Used Randomly?

The monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus is a very successful invasive species and a worldwide agricultural pest. Knowledge of its nest tree selection could be a valuable pest control tool, given that its population expansion could be more effectively controlled by reducing potential nest tree availability. In this study we describe monk parakeet use and selection patterns of nest trees in five parks in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The species and structural characteristics of each nest tree was recorded. A census of potential nest trees was also performed to calculate Savage's selectivity index for each tree species. We found 128 parakeet nests in 60 trees. The tree species selected by monk parakeets were cedars Cedrus atlantica, araucaria pines Araucaria sp. and palms (Butia capitata,Washingtonia robusta, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Phoenix sp.). Cedars were particularly selected as nest trees: they supported 40% of all nests and held more nests per tree than any other species. This is the first study to reveal that cedars and araucarias are selected by monk parakeets. Nest tree selection is a context-dependent process and it is guided by tree species and their structural characteristics and phenology. According to our findings, it would be advantageous to implement a careful selection of the tree species to be planted in Buenos Aires City parks and in urban areas elsewhere, in order to properly manage potential human-bird conflicts.

Wild Edible Plants Used by the Polish Community in Misiones, Argentina

We studied the cultural significance of wild edible plants for Eastern European migrants who settled in rural subtropical areas of South America. In 50 interviews with Polish migrants and their descendants in northern Misiones, Argentina, we recorded the use of 41 botanical species and two mushroom taxa. Different cultural significance indices were applied and sociodemographic factors such as gender, age and origin were addressed. Out of the ten most salient species, nine were fruits (Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia involucrata, Rollinia salicifolia, Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Allophylus edulis, Plinia peruviana, Plinia rivularis, Eugenia pyriformis) and only one was a green vegetable (Hypochaeris chillensis). None of our informants reported famine foods, recreational teas or condiments. Men mentioned more wild edible species than women due to their more extensive knowledge of the forest plants growing further from settlements.

Effects of Control Release Fertilizers on Nutrient Leaching, Palm Growth and Production Cost

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different controlled release fertilizer technologies on nutrient leaching and plant growth parameters of two palm species, Chinese Fan (Livistona chinensis) and Queen (Syagrus romanzoffiana). We compared Nutri-Pak (12-4-12 controlled release packet) and Harrell’s (12-4-12 controlled release polymer coated urea) against Atlantic (8-4-12 controlled release polymer coated urea, coated sulfate of potash), the most commonly used palm fertilizer in South Florida. Plants were grown in 25 cm (11 L) pots under 70% shade, watered weekly, with pest and weed control done as required. Plant growth parameters: number of leaves, leaf length and width, and basal diameter, were measured every two months. Leachate was collected weekly after irrigation and a two-month composite sample was analyzed for nutrient concentrations. There was no difference in the growth parameters among the three fertilizers for Chinese Fan plants. However for Queen, Atlantic and Harrell’s had significantly thicker basal diameter than Nutri-Pak. Significant difference in the concentration of nutrients in the leachate was observed among the fertilizer types. Throughout the study period, Nutri-Pak had a lower concentration of nutrients in the leachate than Atlantic and Harrell’s. Our research indicates that Nutri-Pak control release fertilizer is comparable to other commercial fertilizers in Chinese Fan growth, but the larger Queen palms likely require an additional packet. Nutri-Pak fertilizer resulted in less nutrient leaching and could be a better environmental choice.

Longevidad y germinación de semillas de Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae) y sus implicaciones ecológicas

&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Syagrus romanzoffiana&lt;/em&gt; is a palm tree native and widely distributed of South America.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;The present study investigated the longevity and germination of the buried seeds of this species in an experimental seed bank.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Laboratory germination and&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;viability tests were performed for comparison with field results. Pyrenes (seeds enclosed by the endocarp) were buried in a forest fragment edge in July (dry season) in July 2012 and exhumed monthly during one year, for the assessment of water content&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;and percentage of germinated and viable seeds.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Germination tests&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;were conducted in a Mangelsdorf-type germinator at 30°C under constant light and the viability was &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;assessed by the tetrazolium test. An additional sample of&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;pyrenes was buried to evaluate the percentage of seedling emergence and survival. Climatic&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;and soil moisture&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;data&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;were recorded.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;In the laboratory, the pyrenes were stored for one year in a temperature-controlled room at 20ºC and 75% (±10%) relative air humidity to assess changes in the percentage of germination and viability over time.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;In the field, a reduction in seed viability&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;was observed over the study period, with a total loss of viability of non-germinated seeds at seven months after burial.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;The maximum germination (close to 26%) was observed in the samples that were exhumed between five and seven months after burial. In the field, seedling emergence did not exceed 10% and seedling mortality was not observed. The percentages of germination and of viable seeds decreased both in burial and stored seeds. The stored seeds maintained viability at up to six months, with marked reduction thereafter. After the germination tests (four months) in the laboratory, all of the remaining seeds were nonviable. The ecological, physiological&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;and reproductive characteristics of the species are discussed, and we concluded that&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;S. romanzoffiana&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;seeds have short longevity after imbibition, and low potential for soil seed bank formation.&lt;/strong&gt;

Fitossociologia em uma mata de restinga paludosa na Mata do Totó, Pelotas, RS

&lt;p&gt;Foi analisada a florística e a estrutura do componente arbóreo de uma mata de restinga paludosa na Praia do Totó, porção sul da Laguna dos Patos, Município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil (31º43’39”S e 52º12’04”W). A amostragem fitossociológica foi realizada em uma área de 0,1 ha. Foram incluídos todos os indivíduos com DAP ≥ 4,8 cm. Foi encontrada uma riqueza de 23 espécies, 20 gêneros e 15 famílias, sendo duas espécies ameaçadas de extinção. A densidade foi estimada em 3.480 ind. ha-1. As espécies mais importantes na estrutura da floresta foram &lt;em&gt;Ocotea &lt;/em&gt;sp., &lt;em&gt;Myrcia multiflora&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Psidium cattleianum&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Ocotea pulchella&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Myrsine lorentziana&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Citharexyllum myrianthum&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Ilex dumosa&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Syagrus romanzoffiana&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Guapira opposita &lt;/em&gt;e &lt;em&gt;Sebastiania brasiliensis&lt;/em&gt;. A diversidade (H’) foi de 2,174 nats.ind.-1 enquanto que a equabilidade (J) foi de 0,684. A estrutura da floresta, o número de táxons e a diversidade foram similares aos encontrados em inventários realizados nas matas de restinga paludosa na Planície Costeira do Brasil. Estes parâmetros devem ser considerados no licenciamento ambiental e em projetos de restauração ecológica dessa formação florestal.&lt;/p&gt;

Patch size, shape and edge distance influence seed predation on a palm species in the Atlantic forest

Seed predation is an important ecological process that affects the abundance, diversity and distribution of plant species, and it is known to be influenced by defaunation and forest fragmentation. Most studies on seed predation in human‐modified landscapes do not take into account the different spatial scales in which this process operates. In this study, we evaluated how variables at three distinct spatial scales affected the seed predation of a palm that provides a keystone resource to the frugivore community, the queen palmSyagrus romanzoffiana. Thirteen landscapes that vary in forest cover, number of fragments and patch sizes were sampled in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. We also evaluated the contribution of the three main groups of seed predators: squirrels, terrestrial rodents and invertebrates. Our results indicate that seed predation is more affected by fragment and local variables than by landscape influences. In addition, the size of the fragment, its shape and the distance from the nearest forest edge were the main predictors of the proportion of predated seeds. Moreover, the two main seed predators (squirrels and invertebrates) responded to the same fragment and local variables. Because most of the Atlantic forest consists of small fragments, we expect that the seed predation of this keystone palm should be high in most of its distribution, with potential consequences for the frugivore community.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND CRYSTALLIZATION TEMPERATURES OF ESTERS OBTAINED FROM FOUR VEGETABLE OILS EXTRACTED FROMSEEDS OF BRAZILIAN CERRADO PLANTS

The seed oils from four plants (Scheelea phalerata, Butia capitata, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Terminalia cattapa) found in Mato Grosso do Sul were extracted at good yields. Alkaline transesterification of these seed oils to esters using methanol and ethanol was studied and also produced good yields. Oleic acid (30.5/32.3%), lauric acid (30.7/32.9%) methyl and ethyl esters, were the main components of transesterification of the oils from Scheelea phalerata and Syagrus romanzoffiana. Lauric acid (42.2%), capric acid (15.9%) and caprylic acid (14.6%) methyl and ethyl esters were the main ester components of transesterification of the oil from Butia capitata. Oleic acid (37.8%), palmitic acid (33.5%) and linoleic acid (22.6%) methyl and ethyl esters were the main components of transesterification of oil from Terminalia catappa. Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies, the first crystallization peak temperature of esters was observed. Esters derived from oils of the family Arecaceae (Scheelea phalerata, Butia capitata, Syagrus romanzoffiana) showed the lowest points of crystallization, despite having high levels of saturated fat. Esters of Terminalia cattapa oil, rich in unsaturated fat, showed the highest crystallization temperature. This difference in behavior is probably related to the high concentration of esters derived from lauric acid and palmitic acid.

Seedling fate across different habitats: The effects of herbivory and soil fertility

The impact of extinction of predators and subsequent herbivore release on ecosystem functioning has been well studied in temperate ecosystems, yet we have very little information on threatened tropical rainforests. Herbivore overbrowsing can have profound effects on ecosystem processes through overconsumption or by altering organic inputs of leaves and roots as well as changing soil physical and chemical properties. We evaluated the fate of transplanted seedlings of four tropical tree species and nutrient availability in open control plots and enclosed plots that permitted free access by insects and excluded vertebrates and collected soil samples in old-fields, early secondary forests and old-growth forests. Seedling damage predominantly occurred in the dry season and produced an overall seedling mortality of 72%, with values of 43% and 86% in the plots that prohibited and permitted vertebrate access, respectively. Except for Myrsine coriacea in the old-fields and Syagrus romanzoffiana in the early secondary forest, seedlings suffered greater rates of damage and mortality in the open plots, showing that the aboveground large herbivores, such as capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), might prevent or at least delay plant recruitment in tropical areas supporting elevated densities. However, delayed deaths from disease by soil fertility-related factors were observed in late summer in the old-field seedlings, suggesting that previous activities in these areas had led to profound changes in the soil properties. Herbivores may have important consequences for tropical forest regeneration, as overconsumption may slow down nutrient cycling, promote cascading bottom-up effects on consumers, and ultimately lead to ecological meltdown. These consequences provide insight into the ecological effects of faunal change on human-altered tropical habitats.

Diversidade florística do bairro Nossa Senhora das Dores em Santa Maria, RS

&lt;p&gt;As áreas arborizadas existentes no contexto urbano contribuem significativamente para a melhoria da qualidade de vida da sociedade. Diagnosticar essas áreas é importante para a elaboração do planejamento da arborização de uma&lt;br /&gt;cidade. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi identificar, por meio de um inventário, e diagnosticar a qualidade das espécies vegetais no bairro Nossa Senhora das Dores em Santa Maria, RS, realizado no período de fevereiro a abril de 2010. Foram encontradas 99 espécies botânicas distribuídas em 47 famílias, sendo o bairro considerado com ampla diversidade vegetal. As espécies Lagerstroemia indica L., Tipuana tipu (Benth.)Kuntze e Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman apresentaram maior frequência nas vias. Verificou-se a presença de várias espécies inadequadas à arborização das calçadas, como Ficus benjamina L., Inga marginata Willd., Hovenia dulcis Thunb., Melia azedarach L., entre outras. Sugere-se uma adequação e renovação de algumas espécies para o bairro Nossa Senhora das Dores a fim de proporcionar aos moradores um melhor aproveitamento do verde urbano.&lt;/p&gt;

Spatial Pattern of Pindó Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) Recruitment in Argentinian Atlantic Forest: The Importance of Tapir and Effects of Defaunation

AbstractHunting pressure, fragmentation and deforestation have caused global declines in animal abundance, and the consequences for plant communities are poorly understood. Many large‐seeded plants, for instance, depend on large and endangered vertebrates for seed dispersal. In some Semi‐deciduous Atlantic Forests, endangered tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) are major dispersers of pindó palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana). Here, we compare recruitment patterns of pindó palms between protected and disturbed (defaunated) Atlantic Forest areas in Argentina and evaluate the potential consequences of the lack of the main disperser for pindó palm regeneration. We analyzed the number and spatial pattern of pindó adults, offspring, and tapir dung piles within ten plots established in an area spanning tapir latrines inside Iguazú National Park and in a fragmented forest area outside the park where tapir is locally extinct. In both areas, we evaluated recruitment levels beneath 24 adult palms in circular plots centered on adult stems. We found lower pindó palm recruitment outside the park where offspring tended to be aggregated around adult palms. In contrast, in Iguazú National Park offspring were spatially associated with tapir dung‐piles, in which most offspring were registered. Recruitment under adults was higher outside the park suggesting a lower rate of seed removal in disturbed areas. Our results show that tapir dispersal promotes higher recruitment levels of pindó offspring and shapes their spatial pattern, breaking the spatial association with adult (presumably maternal) palms. These results are useful for predicting the impact of local tapir extinction on this palm.