Masoala madagascariensis
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A solitary palm. It grows 3-10 m tall. The trunk is 30-35 m across. The dense leaf crown forms a half circle. It has the appearance of a feather duster. There are 24 leaves which point upwards. The leaves are 3.3-4 m long. The leaf stalks are 60 cm long. The leaf stalk is often twisted near its base. The leaflets are 60 cm long. They are regularly spaced. They grow in a single flat plane. They are medium green and have a long point.
There are 2 Masoala species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows between 200-420 m altitude in Madagascar. It grows in lowland rainforest. It suits humid locations.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Madagascar
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Palm heart, fruit
How it is grown
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Hovotralanana, Kase, Lontana, Mandanozezika