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Our Blue Ribbon
Palm of the Month
January, 2002!
Elaeis guineensis:
AFRICAN OIL PALM
 Elaeis palms are a members of a small Genus of ONLY two
species of palms. One species occurring in Africa and the only other in Central
& South America. Both species grow in "open" situations: such as along
streams, in swamps and savannas.
They are stout-trunked palms, with heavily
armed feathery fronds, which lack a crownshaft. Separate male and female
inflorescences arise among the leaves and the inflorescence is rather pronounced and
densely packed with fruits. The seeds and pulp of the fruit are very rich in OIL.
SINGLE PLANTS CAN PRODUCE FERTILE SEEDS! One species is widely grown in
plantations in the tropics for this natural lubricant. Elaeis seeds take three to
six months to germinate. It often helps to crack , the seeds or soak them (in hot
water) to aid in the breakdown of their hard outer shells, to speed-up germination.
CULTIVATION: Oil palms are
generally easy to grow and adaptable as to soil types. These palms definitely
benefit from growing in FULL SUN, and realising that they are, indeed, massive palms, they
should always be planted in an area where they have SUFFICIENT ROOM TO DEVELOP!
 The African Oil Palm is native to numerous countries in
tropical Africa, and has certainly become more widely distributed as a result of
cultivation activities by humans. One can expect best growing in USDA Climate Zone
10B, but African Oil Palms can be seen occasionally growing into Zone 9B in very protected
locations. Elaeis needs a seasonally dry climate when dormant, but appreciates
copius amounts of water when it is in its active summer growth cycle.
South Florida, The Caribbean, Hawaii,
Queensland, Northern Territory, and most tropical parts of Central & South America are
suitable regions for Elaeis guineensis cultivation. The African Oil Palm can
withstand SOME salt spray, so it can be included in coastal planting designs just back
from the  beachfronts.
Your efforts in planting an African Oil
Palm, or two!!, will definitely be well rewarded with long-lived beauty & drama.
(You are planting a living palm "monument!")
Paul, "Your Palm Doctor!" is
VERY proud to designate Elaeis guineensis, The African Oil Palm, January, 2002's BLUE
RIBBON Palm-of-the-Month!
Paul,"The
Palm Doctor!"
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