Some authorities place Acanthophoenix crinita (Bory) H.Wendl., here as a synonym of this species. We are following the treatment given in 'Ludwig, N. (2006). Acanthophoenix in Réunion, Mascarene Islands. Palms; Journal of the International Palm Society 50: 82-98.' which treats A. Crinita as a distinct species[]. It is very likely that the uses detailed below for this species can also be applied to A. Crinita[].

Common Name:

General Information

Acanthophoenix rubra is a single-stemmed, evergreen palm tree growing up to 12 metres tall. The unbranched stem, which can be up to 18cm in diameter, is topped by a crown of up to ten leaves that can each be up to 3 metres long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its edible young leaves and medicinal uses. It is cultivated for its edible leaf bud within its native range, and is also widely grown as an ornamental, especially in Mauritius[].
Found only in Mauritius and Réunion. In Réunion only a single population of 150 mature individuals in Etoile valley in the eastern range remains viable. Regeneration is occasional. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Mauritius, Réunion.

Habitat

Mixed, moist forests at elevations from 250 - 650 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is said to be able to tolerate light frosts[].
An easy plant to grow, but it should be protected from full sunlight when young[]. Fairly large amounts of organic matter in the soil stimulate growth[].

Edible Uses

The palm heart (apical bud) is edible and much appreciated as a delicacy[]. Eating this heart leads to the death of the tree because it is unable to make side shoots[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the roots is used as a diuretic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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