Dypsis ligulata
(Jum.) Beentje & J Dransf.
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Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Summary
Source: WikipediaDypsis ligulata is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is found only in Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
A solitary palm native to tropical regions, growing 4-6 m tall with a trunk approximately 20 cm across.
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Edible Uses
Leaves - cooked. The apical bud, known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable. Eating this bud leads to the death of the plant because it is unable to make side-shoots.
Medicinal Uses
The plant (parts not specified but probably the bark and/or the fruits) is used in the treatment of headaches, jaundice and hepatitis; and also as an aid to lactation.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Madagascar,
Notes
There are 140 Dypsis species.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Dransfield, J. & Beentje, H., 1995, The Palms of Madagascar. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and The International Palm Society. p 177
- Haynes, J., & McLaughlin, J., 2000, Edible palms and Their Uses. University of Florida Fact sheet MCDE-00-50-1 p 6
- Johnson, D.V., 1998, Tropical palms. Non-wood Forest products 10. FAO Rome. p 113
