Which Amazonian palm is commonly called the walking palm?

The Amazonian palm commonly called the walking palm is Socratea exorrhiza.

It grows in tropical Central and South America, especially in wet lowland forests. Its unusual stilt roots spread above the ground and support the slender trunk in soft, waterlogged soil.

The popular name comes from the old idea that the palm could gradually “walk” toward better light by producing new roots on one side while older roots decay on the other. Botanists generally treat this movement claim cautiously; the roots clearly provide stability, but evidence for substantial locomotion is limited.

Socratea exorrhiza is also notable for its tall, smooth trunk and pinnate leaves. It should not be confused with the moriche palm, Mauritia flexuosa, or the açaí palm, Euterpe oleracea, both important Amazonian palms with different root systems and fruits.