Dapiau
Pinanga batanensis
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A small and slender palm with a single trunk. It grows about 7 m high. The fronds arch over and are 2.5 m long. The leaves have numerous segments. They are 1-ribbed and quite straight and very much tapering to a point. They are papery and stiff. They are 80 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are dull dark green above and paler underneath. They have dense small scales on the veins. The fruit stalk is branched. It can be 70 cm long and carries flowers in two rows. The fruit are oval and broad at the base. They are 20 mm by 12 mm. The seeds are oval and blunt.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They are found along mountain streams in the forests of Batanes Island in the Philippines. It suits the tropics.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The bud is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Cabbage, growing tip, palm heart