Arecina palm, Montgomery palm
Veitchia arecina

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A tall slender palm. It grows about 12-30 m high. It spreads 6 m wide. The trunk is 20 cm across and enlarged near the base. The crown-shaft is green. The fronds are stiff and are horizontal or arch over slightly. The leaves are 2-3 m long. The leaflets spread widely. The end of the tip ends at an angle. The flowering stalk is stout and yellow. The flowers are green. The fruit are bright red and oblong. They are 4.5 cm long. They are produced below the crown-shaft.

There are 8 Veitchia species. They are palms in the Pacific.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in moist rainforests and coastal forests. It can stand wind including salt laden winds. It suits coastal locations. It needs well drained soils. It suits plant hardiness zones 10-12. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Tonga, Vanuatu (country/location of origin), USA (Florida)

How it is used for food

The palm hearts are eaten.

Edible parts

Palm hearts, cabbage

How it is grown

Plant can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Palem arecina, Palem montgomery, Palmtri

Synonyms

Vietchia hookeriana Becc.; Veitchia macdanielsii H. E. Moore; Veitchia montgomeryana H. E. Moore;