[3] It is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru,[1] where it grows along southern and western Amazonia.

[7] This palm species is of ecological importance and grows in many types of forest; individuals become fertile at 7-10 years of age (1 m height).

[6] The seeds are dispersed by tapirs, which swallow the fruits whole,[8] and by rheas, agoutis, spiny rats of genus Clyomys, and caracaras.

[3] The sheaths of the palm often accumulate the seeds of other plants, which are sometimes deposited there by Artibeus jamaicensis, a frugivorous bat.

[5] This palm tree is commonly pollinated by sap beetles of genus Mystrops and weevils of tribe Madarini.