Scientific name: Parkia pendula (Willd.) Benth. ex Walp.
Vern: visgueiro (BPo); lantaarnptitboom (Du); rayado (Sp)
Local: kwattakama (Sr); ball-headed acacia (GU); bois-pagode (FG); angico, faveira-de-chorão (BPo)
Indig: iruu (Tr)
Growth Form: Trees & shrubs
Order: Fabales
Family: Leguminosae (Mimosoideae)
Notes: Parkia pendula (Willd.) Benth. ex Walp. is a magnificent canopy-emergent tree in the legume family (Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae). Growing up to 40 meters tall, it features a starkly flat, widespread, umbrella-like crown that stands out clearly in primary terra firme lowland forests across the Amazon and the Guiana Shield. Botanically, it is legendary for its long, rope-like flower stalks that dangle over a meter below the foliage, terminating in bright red, globe-like flower heads (bat pollination). Equally impressive are the post-flowering clusters of resinous legume fruits that hang down over a meter and are a critical food source for birds and monkeys.