This monocarpic feather palm forms a solitary blackish trunk that is up to 600mm (2ft) wide and a dense crown of large divided fronds. The drooping linear leaflets are dark green and the plant produces purplish flowers in a cluster followed by black fruit.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Arenga pinnatais naturally found from India to south-east Asia growing in well drained, organic rich moist soils and tolerates an open sunny position.

Sugar Palm is grown as a food source in many countries. It is also grown as a specimen plant in tropical gardens around a water feature or rainforest settings. It establishes from seed in 3 to 5 years and is commonly found in botanical collections. When young it is grown as a potted plant. ID 2010

Note:
It normally grows in tropical climates but tolerates sub tropical regions, growing more slowly. The trunk is covered in spiny leaf bases that are persistent.

Arenga(ă-ren-ga) pinnata(pin-a-ta)

Arecaceae(ar-ek-AY-see-ee)     
(Palmae)
Palm Family