Dypsis utilis (Jum.) Beentje & J.Dransf.

rkfelsh 2025. 3. 19. 17:52

국표에 없다.

A robust palm that grows along streamsides in moist forest or swamp forest in the highlands of central eastern Madagascar close to 1000 m (3000 ft.) a.s.l. It produces a thick, solitary or clustering trunk that branches high above ground. The somewhat untidy, upright crown consists of numerous, long, arching, pinnate leaves. The leafbases produce copious amounts of piassava fibers that clothe the upper part of the trunk and that have been used for rope production. The sizeable, purplish to black fruits are said to be edible. An interesting and very unusual palm for the tropical and warm temperate/subtropical garden.

Dypsis utilis (baobabs.com)

General Information

Dypsis utilis is an evergreen, clumping palm that can grow up to 15 metres tall. The plant can produce several main stems and, unlike most palm species, these stems can produce up to 3 side shoots that grow upwards parallel with the main stem. Each stem is topped by a crown of large leaves
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre. This species is quite popular with collectors, due to the branching habit of the trunk and the attractive dark red colour of new leaves
About 800 mature individuals are known from the entire distribution range and the population is decreasing. This species is threatened by habitat loss through clearance for shifting and permanent agriculture (especially for the cultivation of rice) and logging. The species is also threatened by over-harvesting of its seed and edible palm heart. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)

Range

Africa - central eastern Madagascar.

Habitat

Occurs in lowland and montane forest, the species grows in swamps or along rivers and may form locally dense stands in these habitat types. Is recorded to occur between 400 and 1,300 m

Stream banks/swamps of east Madagascan rainforest

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny, very moist position

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked

The apical bud, known as a 'palm heart' is eaten as a vegetable

Eating this bud can lead to the death of individual stems because they can only produce up to three side-shoots

Fruits

Medicinal

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