been recently published by Benavides et al. (1975). From the 

 viewpoint of agriculture, the soil is poor in the savanna and 

 somewhat richer in the gallery forest. Local agriculture is usually 

 confined to cleared sections of gallery forest, close to running 



water. 



most 



ms 



elements of vegetation. In growth form they range from vines 

 (Desmoncus) to small or medium-sized understorey components 

 (Geonoma, Syagrus, Astrocaryum) and large-trunked trees 

 (Mauritia, Jessenia). Furthermore, in certain moist areas are 

 found pure stands of Jessenia bataua and Mauritia flexuosa. 

 Recent work by de Granville (1974) in French Guiana has shown 

 that it is the specialized root structure of certain palms, specifi- 

 cally the occurence of pneumatodes, that enables them to sur- 

 vive and flourish under conditions of seasonal or permanent 



inundation. 



The taxonomic identity of palms is often problematical, espe- 

 cially of those found in remote areas. Their great bulk and often 

 spiny nature discourage the botanist from collecting and study- 

 ing these organisms, unless he or she is specifically prepared for 

 this task and willing to forego general collecting. Thus, type and 

 other comparative herbarium material is often quite poor and 

 limited in nature, making proper identification difficult. In the 

 "Las Gaviotas" region there are several palm species of uncer- 

 tain taxonomic affinities, particularly in the genera Astroca- 

 ryum, Bactris, and Desmoncus. I have taken a conservative 



determinat 



m 



taken of these genera throughout their entire range. 



The indigenous palms inhabiting the gallery forests of "Las 

 Gaviotas" can be distinguished through the use of the following 

 key. 



KEY TO THE INDIGENOUS PALM FLORA OF "LAS GAVIOTAS", 



ORINOQUIA, COLOMBIA 



1. Leaves palmate; inflorescence producing scaly fruits . 



I. Mauritia flexuosa 



3 



