🌿 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
Salak fruit is edible, with a sweet and acidic taste. The young shoots are also eaten as vegetables. In permaculture gardens, it can be used as a productive understory crop in tropical food forests, providing shade and fruit.
Permapeople description
Salacca zalacca is a species of palm tree native to Indonesia. It is cultivated for its edible fruit called salak or snake fruit due to its reddish-brown scaly skin.
Botanical description
Salacca zalacca is a palm species native to Indonesia. It is a short-stemmed clumping palm, with leaves up to 6-7 meters long. The fruit grows in clusters at the base of the palm and is covered in reddish-brown scales, resembling snake skin. The flesh is yellowish-white, with a distinctive flavor. There are many cultivars which differ in flavor and fruit size.
Companion planting
Salak benefits from partial shade, so planting it under taller trees is beneficial. Avoid planting near plants that compete for nutrients or water.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily through seeds. Suckers can be separated from the base of mature plants, but this method is less common.
History and traditions
Salak has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries, and its origin is believed to be in Indonesia. It is an important fruit crop in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The fruit has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes, including treating diarrhea and promoting digestive health.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs throughout the year in tropical climates. Harvesting occurs approximately 6 months after flowering. Planting is best done during the wet season.