Borassus akeassii

Borassus akeassii, the African fan palm, belongs to the Arecaceae family. It comes from western and west-central tropical Africa. Its range stretches from Senegal east to Nigeria and Central Africa. It grows in savannah, often near towns and villages. Its home regions have wet and dry seasons. Botanists named this species in 2006. Before then, they had grouped it with Borassus aethiopum.

This evergreen palm grows slowly and can live beyond 100 years. Garden references give a height of about 33 feet [10 metres]. Larger trees can reach 49 feet [15 metres]. Its crown can spread about 16 feet [5 metres]. A single, unbranched trunk holds eight to 22 fan-shaped leaves. Each leaf, with its stalk, can reach 10 feet [3 metres]. The trunk can reach 1.3–2.6 feet [0.4–0.8 metres] across.

The palm needs full sun and soil that drains well. It grows in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It also grows in poor soils with few nutrients. It accepts a wide range of soil acidity. Established trees withstand drought and can survive fires. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. Flowering starts only when the tree reaches middle age. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Insects pollinate them, and fruit production needs both sexes nearby.

Large clusters hold fruits about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] across. People eat the fruit fresh or dried. They also eat the soft contents of young seeds raw. Young seedlings and the terminal bud serve as vegetables. People tap sap and ferment it to make palm wine. Too much tapping can kill the palm. The sources report no known hazards, but give no specific pet-safety data. Roots have traditional uses for parasites, sore throats, and asthma. People also use them in mouth rinses.

The leaves provide material for shelter and other local needs. Its dark brown, coarse-fibred wood serves for building, carpentry, and household goods. The timber resists attack by termites and fungi. This does not establish resistance in the living tree. The sources give no specific garden pest or disease guidance. The palm attracts wildlife and has a role in food forests. Fresh seed needs prompt sowing because it loses viability fast. Its long taproot makes direct sowing the preferred method. Farming and wine tapping threaten some local populations. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2016 IUCN status of Least Concern.