Pritchardia pacifica

Seem & Wendl.

Fiji Fan Palm, Pacific fan palm

Arecaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds, Palm heart ? Potential hazards — see below 741 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Pritchardia pacifica, the Fiji fan palm, or piu, is a species of palm tree in the genus Pritchardia that is native to Tonga. It is also found in Fiji, Samoa, and the north-eastern part of India (especially in the tribal areas of Arunachal Pradesh, where people use it as thatched roofing), and the Marquesas. However, these populations are likely to be human introductions. This species is found in tropical dry forests.

Description

A fan palm. It grows to about 10-15 m high. The trunk is 20 cm across. It has vertical cracks. The trunk is slim and covered with old leaf bases especially near the top. It has large stiff, fan shaped leaves. They can be 1.8 m long. These are held erect. It has many fine segments. The flowers grow among the leaves. Several flowering stalks occur. There is a distinct stalk and flowers in a cluster near the tip. The fruit are produced in abundance. They are small, round and black when ripe. They are 12 mm across.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten raw, and the small fruit are particularly popular with children. The palm heart may also be edible.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

Young plants can be difficult to establish and easily die in cultivation.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in tropical dry forests. It needs well drained soil. It will grow in sun of light shade. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens. In Townsville Queens garden. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Cook Islands, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Pacific*, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Tokelau, Tonga*, Tuvalu, USA, Vanuatu, West Indies,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinate easily. Young plants can easily die.

Propagation

Seed - when sown fresh it can germinate in 30 days.

Other Uses

The leaves were traditionally used to make special, large, umbrella-fans for chiefs. The trunk has sometimes been used as a ridge beam.

Production

Once established, plants are fast growing in the tropics.

Other Information

A common palm in the Pacific and the seeds are commonly eaten in some places. The small fruit are especially eaten by children. It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 40 Pritchardia species.

Synonyms

Eupritchardia pacifica (Seem. & Wendl.) O. Ktze.

Also Known As

Dabam, Fakamalu, Fak maru, Masei, Niu masei, Niu piu, Pacific Fan palm, Palem kipas fiji, Piu, Sakiki, Te bam

References (26)

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Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1085

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