African Palmyra Palm, Ron Palm, Lala Palm, Mazambique Palm, Black Rhun Palm, Deleib Palm
Borassus aethiopum
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The African Palmyra Palm is highly valued in permaculture for its multiple uses. The young shoots, fruits, and sap are edible. The leaves are used for thatching, basketry, and weaving. The trunk provides timber. The plant is drought-tolerant and can serve as a windbreak or erosion control measure. The sap can be fermented into palm wine or concentrated into sugar. Different cultivars may exist that vary in fruit size or sweetness.
Permapeople description
Borassus aethiopum is a species of Borassus palm found in Africa.
Botanical description
Borassus aethiopum is a tall, single-stemmed palm tree reaching heights of 20-30 meters. The trunk is greyish-brown, marked with leaf scars. The crown consists of numerous fan-shaped (palmate) leaves, each up to 3 meters wide. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Male inflorescences are branching catkins, while female inflorescences produce large, round fruits, 15-20 cm in diameter, containing 1-3 seeds embedded in fibrous pulp. The seeds are enclosed in a hard, bony endocarp.
Companion planting
The African Palmyra Palm's large size and deep roots can impact surrounding plants. Consider its mature size when planting near other species. Its shade can be beneficial to some shade-tolerant understory plants. It can be intercropped with crops that benefit from wind protection or partial shade during the initial establishment phase.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed. Seeds should be soaked in water for several days before sowing. Germination can be slow and erratic. Vegetative propagation is generally not practiced.
History and traditions
The African Palmyra Palm has a long history of traditional use across Africa. The sap is traditionally tapped for palm wine, and the leaves and fibers are used for crafting various items. In some cultures, the plant is associated with spiritual or religious significance. The fruit and young shoots are important food sources, especially during times of scarcity. Various parts of the plant are also employed in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs during the dry season. Fruit ripening varies depending on location but generally occurs in the late dry season or early wet season. Planting is best done at the beginning of the wet season. Pruning is limited to removing dead or damaged leaves as needed throughout the year.