Bilis
Heterospathe sibuyanensis
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A tall palm up to 9-10 m high and 12 cm across the trunk. The leaflets have rather distinct secondary nerves. There are small brown scales underneath the leaflets. The flower arrangement is a spike of flowers closely arranged around a central axis and with 3 branches. The flower bearing branches are about 2.5 mm thick. The fruit is oval, 1 cm long, 7 mm thick and with a cone like point. The seed is oval and blunt.
There are about 32 Heterospathe species. It is now rare in the Philippines.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits tropical regions. It needs a shady moist site. They are widely distributed throughout the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The bud is cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Cabbage, palm heart