Aiphanesis agenusofspinypalmswhich is native totropicalregions ofSouthandCentral Americaand theCaribbean.[3]There are about 26species in the genus(see below), ranging in size fromunderstoreyshrubs with subterranean stems tosubcanopytrees as tall as 20 metres (66 ft). Most havepinnatelycompound leaves (leaves which are divided into leaflets arranged feather-like, in pairs along a central axis); one species hasentireleaves. Stems, leaves and sometimes even the fruit are covered with spines. Plants flower repeatedly over the course of their lifespan and have separate male and female flowers, although these are borne together on the sameinflorescence. Although records of pollinators are limited, most species appear to be pollinated by insects. The fruit are eaten by several birds and mammals, including at least two species ofamazon parrots.
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