Mountain Nibong palm
Oncosperma horridum
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A clump forming palm. There are about 4-6 stems in a clump. Each stem has many black spines. They grow 20 m high. The trunks are 25 cm across. The leaves are 4-5 m long. Leaflets are closely and regularly spaced. The crown is sparse and has leathery fronds. The flowering stalk is 60 cm long. The flowers are yellow and densely cover the stalk. The fruit is 2-2.5 cm across and round. It is purple-black when ripe. The fruit have a fine grainy surface.
There are 5 Oncospermum species. The cabbage of most Oncosperma species is edible.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It likes warm humid conditions and is very sensitive to cold. It grows naturally on forested hillsides. It grows up to 1500 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, India, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), Sarawak, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand
How it is used for food
The palm heart is eaten raw or cooked. The nut is used as a betel nut substitute.
Edible parts
Palm heart, cabbage, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Bayai, Bayas, Bayeh, Karien kao, Palei, Palem bayeh, Palem berduri, Pinang bajeh, Tadup, Tedo, Teduk