Linsum palm, Snake palm, Red salak
Salacca affinis

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A prickly clumping palm. Most parts have spines. These are 3-6 cm long. The stems are underground. Leaves are about 2.5-4 m long. They are held erect. They grow in rings from short trunks which lie along the ground. The leaflets are smooth and broad. They are 45 cm long by 10 cm wide. They occur in clusters of 2-4 on each side of the stalk. They are held in one plane. The fruit are 4 cm long and scaly. They have a sweet edible pulp. They have a short nipple like tip.

There are about 18-24 Salacca species. They occur in SE Asia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in shady forests. It grows in lowland and monsoonal rainforests and swamps.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They are sour. They are flavoured then eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, cabbage

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Male and female plants are essential for fertile seed production.

Its other names

Local names

Ridan, Salak hutan, Salak linsum, Salak merah

Synonyms

Zalacca affinis Blume;