Types Of Palm Trees In South Africa

Palm trees are versatile, as they serve different functions and purposes. They are not only associated with beautiful landscaped environments, but they also have a life expectancy that goes on for several generations. Experts also made it known that there are over 2500 species of palm trees around the world. And in South Africa, one will easily find many types around too.

The prominent types of palm trees in South

Africa includes: Phoenix reclinata, Hyphaene petersiana, H. coriacea, Borassus aethiopum, Raphia australis, and Jubaeopsis caffra. These ones are indigenous to South Africa, and the climate will easily support their growth.

Types Of Palm Trees In South Africa

A lot of palm trees thrives in tropical, subtropical, as well as warm climates; although certain species are considerate of cooler regions and very cold temperatures. However, irrespective of what type you see around, they can add a superb flair to the environment, amidst several other functions.

And while palm trees are cultivated all around the world, we can easily identify six indigenous palms here in South Africa.

Let’s explore these ones:

1. Phoenix reclinata

Usually found in the eastern part of the country, this palm type is majorly associated with water. While they are found thriving around bushes too, such palm trees elegantly thrive on the banks of rivers. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are usually very tall – the average phoenix reclinata can grow to become between 3 and 6 m tall.

There are distinct features they have to easily identify them. The average palm in this family can be single or multi-stemmed, and their leaves are distinct too. These are usually found in the Eastern Cape, particularly those ones you see around riverbanks and wetlands.

Also, due to the peculiarities of the environment, many times, the roots are totally submerged in water. This of course is of great advantage to the growth of the tree. However, it can also affect the final shape too.

2. Hyphaene Petersiana (Vegetable Ivory)

These ones are even much taller than the phoenix reclinata – since they can grow as huge as 25 meters. Generally, it is described as a humongous leafy fan palm tree, distinct in its stem and leaves too (its leaves are usually big, gray-green).

It should also be added that the Vegetable Ivory usually bear round fruit with a hard white nut. It is truly a versatile palm tree with several purposes. It isn’t just a source of food, but can also be used to make stuff like baskets.

Definitely, this peculiar palm tree is not only indigenous to South Africa alone, as it is also found and cultivated in the Eastern part of the continent. However, here, they usually grow close to the coast. Nevertheless, one thing is sure, which is the fact that this palm tree needs at least a warm climate.

Due to its inherent features, it will flourish in hot and dry environments. However, even in regions with excessive rainfall, the plant can still thrive if the ground is well-drained. Generally, the Hyphaene Petersiana is superb when it comes to being drought tolerant.

3. H. coriacea

This palm is also very purposeful. First, let’s start by stating that it flourishes near embankments in knobthorn-marula savanna. Having highlighted this, we can now explain that this palm type is greatly beneficial in different ways. It won’t only act as food and drink, but can also be sold for money.

The fact that this palm tree has opened streams of income to the locals, is something very worthwhile. We should consider the fact that there are several folks participating in the tourism sector by selling items like mats and baskets to tourists, which were made of Lala palm fibers.

4. Raphia Australis

Here is another indigenous palm tree type in South Africa, which is made up of close to 20 cultivars. While you will find these scattered across different parts of the globe, there is the one in South Africa, across the area between KwaZulu-Natal as well as neighbouring Mozambique.

Raphia Australis have its own distinct features also. They have breathing roots and easily thrive in flooded dunes.

5. Jubaeopsis caffra (Pondo Palm)

This type of palm can also be found in South America (in the country called Chile, to be precise). Hence, it is pretty unique, and has similarities with Phoenix reclinata. Its fruits and leaves are distinct and has characteristics that would always make this easily discernible.

The Jubaeopsis caffra have smoother leaves (the smaller ones) for easy identification. Also, when it comes to its leaflets, it has a unique design that is different from several other types of palm trees.

6. Borassus aethiopum

The Borassus aethiopum is another impressive palm type in South Africa, with several impressive and beneficial functions too. It can be consumed as food and also serves as medicine. Additionally, you can use the tree to produce different types of items.

The tree has its unique attributes and features too. Its long stem can easily get to 20 – 30 meters. Its foliage is big and has the ability to elongate up to 4 m in length.

The most important thing about this palm tree is found in its broad usefulness. We should note that not all trees can be utilized in its entirety. Nevertheless, the Borassus aethiopum is outstanding in this. You can use the whole tree for good purposes. The fruits are good for consumption, and many people make money selling them at the market. Also, they serve aesthetic functions amongst others.

In Conclusion

While there are several types of palm trees in South Africa, these indigenous palm trees can be easily found and cultivated, and they are usually available in different parts of the country. It should be noted that they can span acrostic generations, tirelessly thriving and purposeful. Hence, generations to generations can still go on enjoying the benefits of these palm trees, and this is quite pleasant.