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The Guilielma taxon (here considered a sub-genus of Bactris) probably originated in northwestern South America. By the Pleistocene species of this taxon were distributed along the Andes foothills from Bolivia to Panama. One of these species, or hybrids between several of them, gave rise to the pejibaye, which was then domesticated by the Amerindians. During the course of centuries, the pejibaye has become the most domesticated palm in the Americas, as attested by the great diversity of names, uses and fruit sizes. The principal use was of the starchy fruit, cooked for direct human consumption, fermented to make chicha, or ground and dried to make flour. Considerable genetic diversity and different Amerinidan preferences have given rise to many distinct pejibaye races, varying in fruit size, shape and composition. A summary of what is known about the Amazonian races is presented. Potential modern uses are …