Mazari palm
Nannorrhops ritchiana

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm with branching trunks. These can be underground or above ground. This means the palm forms clumps. The trunk can extend 5 m above ground. The leaves are tough and fan shaped. They are grey-green. There is a flower at the end of the branches. This flowering stalk can be 2 m long. As the fruit matures, this branch dies back to the next branch. Therefore each branch only flowers once. Each trunk is thick and densely covered with old leaf bases. These carry orange wool. Single plants can produce fruit. The seeds are round and pea sized.

There is only one Nannorrhops species.

Where it is found

It grows naturally in desert areas. It grows on infertile stony soils. In the mountains the palms can be covered with snow for extended periods. It is hardy and very cold tolerant. It requires a sunny position. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical places. It grows naturally in the deserts and hills of Pakistan and in the mountains of Afghanistan. It can grow in arid places. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Arabia, Asia, Australia, India, Iran, Middle East, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The very young leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The flesh of the fruit is eaten. The flowers are eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit, leaves, kernel, nuts, seeds, palm heart, cabbage

How it is grown

The seed should be soaked in water then planted. They germinate quite easily. They do not transplant easily. Clumps can be divided but plants can be slow to establish.

Plants are very slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Dalamira, Fees, Mazri, Patha, Pish, Tarmira

Synonyms

Chamaerops ritchiana Griff.;