Borassus flabellifer (Palmira Palm)

A very large palmate palm, with a hard, black trunk, and a skirt of dead leaves underneath the crown. The leaves are very large, up to 10 ft. across, and bluey green in color. It has large black fruit. Culture: Hot, sunny, well drained position. Drought tolerant, cold sensitive. Palmyra fruit is eaten raw while the outer layer is still unripe. If left to mature, the outer layer can also be eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The fruit is similar in taste to lychees and has a jelly-like consistency.

Borassus flabellifer var. madagascariensis - is endemic to Madagascar.