African Fan Palm
Borassus akeassii

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

Borassus akeassii or African Fan Palm is an evergreen, single-stemmed palm up to 15 m high and 40 to 50 cm in diameter. The roots of this species are used as a mouthwash and as treatment for stomach parasites, asthma, and sore throat. The plant produces a sap that is fermented into wine. The fruit is eaten fresh or dried. Young seedlings and the terminal bud of the palm are consumed as vegetable. The leaves have various uses and the wood produces high quality timber that is resistant to termites and fungi. Other Names: Ake Assi's, Palmyra Palm

Borassus akeassii is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Savannahs, often in close proximity to human settlements.

Semi-arid and sub-humid zones of Africa from Senegal to Sudan.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Coming Soon

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

The apical bud is hollowed out and the resulting sap is collected and fermented. The wine is made for sale enhancing local earnings), to drink at traditional ceremonies, as well as forming a part of the balanced diet in many rural areas, and used for aphrodisiac preparations. Excessive tapping of the sap kills the plant. Fruit - fresh or dried. Eaten as a food supplement. The fruit is 15cm in diameter and is produced in large clusters. The endosperm of immature seeds - raw. Young seedlings - eaten as a vegetable like asparagus. The terminal bud of the palm is used as palm cabbage. Eating this bud leads to the eventual death of the plant since it is unable to produce side shoots.

Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The roots serve for the treatment of stomach parasites, sore throats and asthma, as well as being used for a mouthwash

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Mouthwash: Treats problems such as mouth ulcers.

Other

Rating: 3

Other uses rating: Medium (3/5). Other Uses The leaves are used for various purposes including for shelter. The dark brown, coarsely fibrous wood is a highly prized timber locally. It is very resistant to termites and fungi, and is used in carpentry, construction and also for household articles.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

It is found in areas with a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,100mm. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Plants are able to extract nutrients, and thus grow, on very nutrient-poor soils. Established plants are drought tolerant. Established plants can resist fires. A slow-growing but long lived tree to over 100 years old. It does not start flowering until middle-aged. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required

Propagating it: Seed - it has a short viability and should be sown as soon as it is removed from the fruit pulp. The seed does not require pre-treatment and germinated in about 4 weeks. The plant produces a very long taproot, which can be 1 metre long when top growth is only 1cm tall, and so it is best sown in situ.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Borassus akeassii or African Fan Palm. Other Names: Ake Assi's, Palmyra Palm

Synonyms

Borassus aethiopum domesticus A.Chev.