Borassus aethiopum aka African Fan Palm

Borassus aethiopum is the African fan palm, also called African palmyra palm. It belongs to the palm family, Arecaceae. Its native range spans tropical and southern Africa, Comoros, and northwestern Madagascar. It grows in savannah, open forest, and along forest edges. River flats and coastal plains also support this palm. In dry grasslands, it grows near groundwater or streams. Some stands grow on land that floods for short periods.

This evergreen palm grows slowly and has one unbranched trunk. Garden size is about 66 feet (20 metres) tall. Its crown spreads about 16 feet (5 metres) across. Other accounts give heights of 82–98 feet (25–30 metres). The smooth trunk widens at its base. Older palms can also swell above the trunk's midpoint. Large fan-shaped leaves form the crown and split into deep segments. Each leaf can reach 13 feet (4 metres) long. Leaves may span 10 feet (3 metres) across. Thorns near their bases call for care when handling.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the palm cannot fertilize itself. The fruit reaches about six inches across and has fibrous flesh. Its flesh tastes slightly sweet but has a turpentine-like scent. People eat the fruit fresh, dried, or cooked. They also mix its juice into porridge during cooking. Sources list leaves, seeds, sap, and shoots as food. PACSOA also records edible roots and flowers. These food uses do not establish safety for every part.

Grow this palm in full sun with soil that drains well. It prefers moist soil but can withstand drought. It accepts sand, loam, or clay, including soils poor in nutrients. Its soil pH range extends from very acid to very alkaline. Warm tropical sites suit it best, with daytime temperatures around 20–35°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Fresh seed needs prompt sowing because it soon loses viability. Seedlings form a deep taproot before much growth appears above ground. Sowing seed in its final site avoids moving that root.

People grow this palm for its bold form and useful products. Leaves supply thatch, mats, baskets, and fibre for nets. Wood and leaf stalks provide material for tools and furniture. Plantings can serve as firebreaks in dry parts of West Africa. Traditional remedies use the roots for several ailments and as mouthwash. These reports do not prove that such treatments work. Heavy harvest of buds and sap has reduced some wild populations. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2013 IUCN status of Least Concern.