Hena-hena palm
Calyptrocalyx spicatus

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A solitary palm. It grows 10 m tall. It has prominent rings. The crown is drooping. The leaf bases are fibrous. The flowering shoots are simple and long. They are 1 m long and come from between the leaves. The fruit are round and bright red when ripe.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in Maluku. It grows in shady conditions on rich, well-drained soil. It grows in the lowlands and up to 60 m above sea level. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Indonesia (country/location of origin), SE Asia

How it is used for food

The nut is used as a substitute for betel nut.

Edible parts

Nut - masticatory

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Palem hena-hena

Synonyms

Areca spicata Lam.; Pinanga globosa G. Nicholson;