What is the scientific name of the 'walking palm' tree?

The scientific name of the “walking palm” tree is Socratea exorrhiza. It is a tropical American palm also known as cashapona, native to rainforests in Central and South America. The species typically reaches 15–20 metres, although exceptional trees can grow to about 25 metres.

Its nickname comes from its remarkable stilt roots, which spread outward from the trunk like a raised framework. A long-standing theory proposed that these roots could help a fallen or displaced palm establish itself in a new position, but later studies found no firm evidence that the tree literally walks across the forest floor. The roots may instead provide support, help the palm grow over forest debris, or allow it to reach light without greatly thickening its stem.

Socratea exorrhiza is also a miniature ecosystem. Research in Panama found 66 epiphyte species on 118 palms, with some older trees hosting dozens of ferns, orchids, bromeliads and other plants. Beetles pollinate its flowers, while white-lipped peccaries eat many of its seeds. Its trunk, roots, leaves and edible yellow fruit have also been used by Indigenous communities.