Elaeis guineensis

Common names

African Oil Palm.

Curiosities

Oil is extracted from fruits. The genus Elaeis is the only one that has species at both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Origin

Tropical Africa.

Habitat

Moist areas.

Morphology

A big solitary trunk, covered with the base of old leaves and some times with epifit plants and ferns. Pinnate leaves, dark green in colour. Interfoliar inflorescence. A big fruit, bright black when ripe.

Climate

Subtropical. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2.2ºC (28ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Seeds may take around 2-5 months to germinate, if the seed cover has been broken or maintained in warm water for around 2 weeks. Propagation of commercial plants takes place by extracting the embryo.

Growing

Frost sensitive. Can adapt to different soils, even to loamy ones. Can take full sun from young. Very cultivated for its oil, reddish in colour, and which is used as vegetable oil in many products.