Licuri (Syagrus coronata): characteristics, importance, potential and perspectives of the small coconut from Brazil

Abstract

Known as the “life-saving tree”, the licuri (Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari), is one of the main native palm trees in the Brazilian Semiarid region, developing an important socio-economic, cultural and environmental role for the sertanejo's subsistence. However, despite its importance, it is observed that licurizais are under threat due to deforestation, fires, and extractive exploitation. Because of this, the objective of the present study was to carry out a review and bibliographic analysis of licuri, highlighting its importance, potentials, future perspectives, and the need for its preservation and conservation. For this purpose, the CAPES, SciELO, BDTD, and BVS databases were used, using the descriptors “Licuri”, “Syagrus coronata” and “Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari”, covering the selection of articles, manuals, theses, and dissertations. As it is a plant native to Brazil, this work is registered in the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen), under nº AD6A6AB, in compliance with the law and its regulations. The review remains structured in sections, in addition to the introduction. In the first, there is a brief presentation of the licuri on its general characteristics and geographical distribution. In the second, it addresses its socioeconomic and cultural importance, positioning its use and recognition by the semi-arid population. In the third, it highlights its indispensable ecological and environmental importance, considered a “key species” of the Caatinga biome. Then, as a fundamental part of the local daily diet, it presents its food and nutritional potential, exposing mainly its culinary uses and its nutritional composition. Finally, the perspectives on their studies are demonstrated and it is hoped to contribute by providing scientific subsidies that expand the internalization of research, training, and the dissemination of information about licuri.