Ravenea robustior
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A solitary palm. It grows to 25-30 m tall. The trunk is grey to brown and stout. It is 60 cm across and with a swollen base. The crown is erect. There are 12-15 dark green leaves. They are 2-3 m long. The leaf stalks are 60-120 cm long. The leaflets are 60-120 cm long. They are dark green and regularly spaced. They form a single flat plane. The fruit are produced in large clusters. They are small and brilliant red.
Where it is found
It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in moist forests in Madagascar. It grows from sea level to almost 2000 m altitude. It can tolerate some cold.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Madagascar
How it is used for food
The palm heart is eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Terminal bud, sago - starch, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed take 1-3 months to germinate.
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Anivo, Anivona, Bobokoamby, Hovotravavy, Laafa, Lakabolavo, Loharanga, Manara, Momimony, Retanan, Tanave, Vakabe, Vakaboloka