Borassus aethiopum (Ron Palm)

Ron Palm
Scientific Name: Borassus aethiopum Mart.
Borassus aethiopum

Size: 15 to 18 m
Min. Temperature: 22°F to 28°F (-6°C to -2°C)
Water Requirements: Regular water
Sun Requirements: Light shade
Origin: Niger, Nigeria, Senegal
Germination: Seeds take 2 to 4 weeks to germinate. The seed first emit a long tap root (often over 2 feet - 60 cm), requiring a deep pot.
Leaf: Palmate,
Trunk: smooth, grayish,
Fruit: Black when ripe, orange flesh.. 6 inches long, 4 inches in diameter 15x10 cm), about 6 pounds (3 kg). Oblong.
Seed: 4 inches long (10 cm). roundish, covered with fibers.

The Ron Palms are dioecious, only the female trees bear fruit.
The palmtrees are tapped for juice. In some regions, the technique either involves the lateral portion of the young stem and does not kill the tree. In other African regions (as in Senegal), the trees are often tapped to death after several months.
The fruit is eaten, as are the flowers and the root.

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