Salea palm
Hydriastele pinangoides

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A clustered palm. The stems are 3 m tall and 8 cm across. They have prominent rings. The sheaths for a conspicuous crown shaft. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. These are large and triangle or wedge shaped.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland rainforests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The seeds are used as a substitute for betel nut.

Edible parts

Seeds - masticatory

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Pinang salea

Synonyms

Gronophyllum densiflorum Ridl.; Leptophoenix brassii Burret; Nenga calophylla K. Schum & Lauterb.; and many others