Astrocaryum chonta Mart. (Arecaceae, Arecoideae): first record in Brazil, lectotypification and notes on distribution gaps

ABSTRACT The palm species Astrocaryum chonta, popularly known as chonta or huicungo, was known only in periodically flooded forests of the Amazon region in Bolivia and Peru. However, reviewing specimens deposited in herbaria, we expanded and confirmed its occurrence in Brazilian territory in the municipality of Porto Velho, Rondônia, approximately 515 km from its nearest known occurrence point in Bolivia. In addition to confirming the first record for Brazil, we present a detailed morphological description of the taxon, updated data on geographic distribution, phenology, vernacular names, uses, and conservation status. We also present a photographic plate and a distribution map, and here designate the lectotype for the name.