Borassus aethiopum

This massive fan palm, commonly known as the African Palmyra Palm, is widespread across tropical Africa, ranging from Senegal eastward to Ethiopia and south into southern Africa. It develops a solitary trunk reaching 80–100 feet in height and typically 2–3 feet in diameter, crowned by enormous green to glaucous fan leaves. The yellow to orange-brown fruits are roughly the size of a grapefruit to a small melon and contain one to three large seeds. Exceptionally tolerant of seasonal drought and fire, it is among Africa’s most economically important palms, providing food, fiber, timber, sap, edible fruits, and numerous other traditional products. Like all Borassus, it is dioecious, requiring both male and female trees for fruit production.

Weight: 7 lb. 10 oz.