Hyphaene coriacea

Common names

Lala Palm, Ilala Palm, Doum Palm.

Curiosities

Fruits and apical buds can be eaten. Leaves are used to make baskets, hats and ropes.

Origin

Madagascar.

Habitat

Grows in coastal areas in very warm and dry climates, but near the bunks of rivers or in places with subterranean water.

Morphology

Usually has several trunks, grey and leaning, but sometimes has only one. The petioles have black spines. Leaves are costapalmate with rigid segments, and leaf sheath is usually more than 1 m long and 70 cm wide. Fruits are brown, up to 6 cm.

Climate

Subtropical and temperate.

Germination

Seeds are difficult to germinate. It is important to remove the outer shell and the fleshy material before sowing seed.

Growing

Needs a sunny, well-drained position in a frost-free tropical or subtropical area. They grow slowly but need much space for expansion.