This large solitary palm has a trunk up to 600mm (2ft) diameter and terminates in a rounded crown. It has large divided feather-like dark green fronds and the cup-shaped flowers appear in clusters amongst the leaves followed by reddish-black rounded fruit.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Elaeis guineensis is naturally found from tropical west Africa to central Africa growing in open forests in moderately drained fertile sandy soils. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought and frost tender. 

The African Oil Palm is grown for its fruit and its habit. It is planted large gardens or parks as a specimen or along avenues for a tropical effect. It is suitable for coastal regions tolerating inundation and establishes in 5 to 7 years. It is also grown for its valuable oil which is used in many products. ID 2289

Note:
This species is a valuable oil producing palm and commonly cultivated for the 2-types of oil. One from mesocarp (palm oil) and (palm kernel oil) from the seed endosperm. Both oils are used in a wide range of products including margarine, ice cream and cosmetics.

Elaeis (e-LEE-is) guineensis (gin-ay-EN-sis)

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