[Daily article] August 24: Aiphanes

Aiphanes is a genus of spiny palms which is native to tropical regions
of South and Central America and the Caribbean. There are about 26
species in the genus, ranging in size from understorey shrubs with
subterranean stems to subcanopy trees as tall as 20 metres (66 ft).
Most have pinnately compound leaves (leaves which are divided into
leaflets arranged feather-like, in pairs along a central axis); one
species has entire leaves. Stems, leaves and sometimes even the fruit
are covered with spines. Plants flower repeatedly over the course of
their lifespan and have separate male and female flowers, although these
are borne together on the same inflorescence. Although records of
pollinators are limited, most species appear to be pollinated by
insects. The fruit are eaten by several birds and mammals, including at
least two species of Amazon parrots.

Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiphanes>

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Today's selected anniversaries:

49 BC:

Caesar's Civil War: Forces loyal to Julius Caesar led by Gaius
Scribonius Curio were crushingly defeated by Pompeian Republicans under
Publius Attius Varus and King Juba I of Numidia.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bagradas_River_(49_BC)>

1456:

The oldest known version of the Gutenberg Bible, the first
major book produced on a printing press, was completed.