Dypsis utilis

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A robust palm. It can be solitary or in a clump. It grows 6-17 m high. The trunk is 25 cm across. The trunk branches 2 or 3 times at 9-11 m above the ground. The branches are closely parallel. They are 25-37 cm across. The trunks are light brown and the leaf base fibres hang from the top of the trunk. The crown forms a half circle. The leaves are 3.1-4 m long with 60-100 cm long stalks. The leaves twist in the middle meaning the leaflets become arranged at a different angle. The leaflets are 50-80 cm long and narrowly sword shaped. They are pinkish orange when new but become deep green.

There are 140 Dypsis species. It is rare.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in low mountainous rainforest. It suits humid locations. It is usually along streams and rivers. It needs plenty of water. It needs full sun after the seedling stage.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar

How it is used for food

The fruit pulp is sweet and edible.

Edible parts

Fruit, palm heart, cabbage, bud, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Vonitra, Vonitrandrano

Synonyms

Vonitra utilis Jum.;