Hurricane Palm, Princess Palm, Red Palm

Dictyosperma album

Physical Characteristics

Dictyosperma album is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Africa - Mauritius, Réunion.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Apical bud Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[ 299 ]. The apical bud of this plant is highly valued as a food[ 299 ]. This palm is single-stemmed and unable to form sideshoots - harvesting the apical bud leads to the death of the plant[ K ].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic A root decoction is used as a diuretic[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known