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Pinanga crassipes

Becc.

Arecaceae Edible: Nuts - masticatory, Cabbage 15 iNaturalist observations

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(c) Tinus Oberholzer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tinus Oberholzer

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(c) Rohan Chakravarty, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

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Pinanga crassipes is a species of palm tree in the family Arecaceae. It is endemic to Borneo.

Description

A small palm. It has a short thick trunk. The trunk is 6-7 cm across. The fronds have leaflets along the stalk. They have a thick leathery base which sheaths the trunk. The leaflets are slightly curved and 40 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They are dark green above and with a bluish green bloom underneath. They have long pointed tips. The fruiting stalks are branched. The fruit are oblong and 16 mm long by 9 mm wide. Flowers and fruit can be on the palm at the same time.

Edible Uses

The nuts are used as a masticatory (betel substitute). The cabbage is also an edible portion.

Traditional Uses

The nut is sometimes used as a betel substitute.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Malaysia, Sarawak, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Pinanga crassipes is a tropical lowland plant requiring high humidity and a minimum temperature of 20°c for good growth. A shade-loving plant, it prefers rich but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic

Other Uses

The leaves are used for thatching. The tough outer portions of the stems are used as laths.

Also Known As

Pinang mureng

References (3)

  • Chai, P. P. K. (Ed), et al, 2000, A checklist of Flora, Fauna, Food and Medicinal Plants. Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak. Forestry Malaysia & ITTO. p 164
  • Johnson, D.V., 1998, Tropical palms. Non-wood Forest products 10. FAO Rome. p 48
  • Jones, D.L., 1994, Palms throughout the World. Smithtonian Institution, Washington. p 296

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