Bentinck palm
Bentinckia nicobarica

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm. It grows about 15 m high. The trunk is narrow and ribbed. The trunk is 25 cm across. The crown shaft is pale green. The fronds arch over. The large flowering stalk is held beneath the leaves. The fruit are bright red.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to Nicobar islands. It is sensitive to cold. It does well in a consistently moist but well-drained soil. It needs a sheltered position in sun or light shade. Cairns Botanical Gardens. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, India, Nicobar Islands, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Palm heart, cabbage

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Nicobar palm

Synonyms

Orania nicobarica Kurz;