Dark spine palm
Acanthophoenix crinita

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows up to 1,500 m above sea level. It grows in humid and foggy areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Hawaii, Mauritius, Pacific, Reunion (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

Although the palm heart is edible this would kill the palm so should only ever be done if the palm is cut for other reasons.

Edible parts

Palm hearts, cabbage

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Areca crinita Bory;