Origin and occurrence
From Costa Rica to Brazil and Bolivia, low regions in Amazonia, but ascending up to 2700 a.s.l.(above sea level) (STAUFFER 1994). The plant prefers shade or half-shade; it is common in the cloud forests of the Cordillera de la Costa of Venezuela, between lOOOm and 1850 m a.s.l. (BRAUN & DELASCIO CHITTY 1987).

Ethnobotanical and general use
Like many palm trees, this species is ornamental and can be planted in the interior of houses. According to PITTIER (1926), the lateral roots are radially arranged on the stem base which permits their use as 'molinillos' (little mills or grinders) to mix chocolate etc. For this reason, the palm received its vernacular name.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.