Stemless Date palm
Phoenix acaulis

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A solitary palm. It has a short swollen trunk. This is mostly underground. It is densely covered with the leaf stalk bases. The fronds arch over. They have leaflets along the stalk. The fronds are 1-2 m long. The leaflets are dark green and 30-45 cm long. They are grouped in small bundles. The flowering stalk is 30-60 cm long and often trails on the ground. The fruit are bright red and oval. They have sweet edible flesh.

There are 13-17 Phoenix species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It usually grows on poor stony soils. It grows between 400-1600 m altitude. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, NW India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are also used to make curry. The tender fruit stalks are eaten. The palm heart is cooked and eaten. An edible starch can be extracted from the stem. The underground leaf stalk (rootstock) is peeled and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, palm heart, starch, roots

How it is grown

The seed are oval and grooved. They germinate soon after planting.

Seedling growth is slow. In Sikkim fruit are available March to May.

Its other names

Local names

Adavi eetha, Bana khajuri, Betgera, Bhui shindi, Bhuin kojiri, Boichind, Chindi, Dagsha, Jangli khajur, Khajur, Khudi khejur, Kojiri, Metta heendi, Palo, Schap, Shevra, Shilind, Takul, Thakal, Thakul, Yita

Synonyms

Phoenix acaulis var. melanocarpa Griff.;