Common Name:

General Information

Arenga obtusifolia is an evergreen, cluster-forming palm that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The unbranched stems can be 15 - 30cm in diameter, crowned with a rosette of around 8 large leaves[, ]. The plant produces new stems from a stoloniferous growth that can be up to 15 metres long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. All species in this genus have either recognized or potential ornamental value[].

Known Hazards

The fruits of most species in this genus are poisonous and are sometimes used criminally[].
The fleshy mesocarp of the fruits usually contains many oxalate crystals, making the flesh inedible[].

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Steep hillsides in coastal areas[]. Primary rainforest, only rarely in secondary growth areas, at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[].
Unlike the majority of species in this genus, Arenga obtusifolia does not die after flowering. Flowering stems arise from every node on the stem, commencing at the lowest node and continuing upwards as the plant continues to grow[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[, ]. The apical bud, known as a 'palm heart' is eaten as a vegetable[]. Harvesting this bud leads to the death of the stem since the plant is unable to make side shoots[].

The taller Arenga palms store large quantities of starch in their stem that are later converted into sugar to be translocated to the inflorescences. The sugar can be drawn off in the juice by tapping the peduncle and rachis of the male inflorescence[]. By far the most important sugar producer in the genus is Arenga pinnata, but other species are used similarly[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The leaves are used for thatching and wickerwork[].

The wood is used to make small utensils, or is even used in construction, but it is said not to be durable[].

Propagation

Seed - a deep root is formed before the seedling emerges above soil level, and so the seed should be sown in individual, deep containers. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water before sowing. It can take 3 - 6 months or more before signs of growth are seen above soil level[].

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