Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Arecales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
oleifera
ID:
948656

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Kunth) Cortés

Source:
wcs

Year:
1897

Citation Micro:
Fl. Columb. 1: 203 (1897)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000947994

Common Names

  • Elaeis oleifera
  • Oleifera Elaeis
  • Oleifera Elaeise

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Description

Elaeis oleifera (also called African Oil Palm, among many other common names) is a species of palm tree native to tropical regions of Africa and Central and South America. It is a tall, slender tree with a single stem and a crown of large, feather-shaped leaves. It grows in tropical lowland rainforests and is often found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and abandoned plantations.

Uses & Benefits

Elaeis oleifera is used for its oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, and soap. It is also used as a source of biofuel.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Elaeis oleifera is a small yellow flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oblong seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Elaeis oleifera is a palm that can be propagated from seeds. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. Prune regularly to maintain a compact shape.

Where to Find Elaeis oleifera

Elaeis oleifera is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria.

Species in the Elaeis genus

Species in the Arecaceae family

Acanthophoenix crinita, Acanthophoenix rubra, Acanthophoenix rousselii, Acoelorraphe wrightii, Acrocomia aculeata, Acrocomia crispa, Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia intumescens, Acrocomia totai, Acrocomia emensis, Acrocomia glaucescens, Acrocomia corumbaensi, Actinorhytis calapparia, Actinorhytis calapparia, Adonidia merrillii, Adonidia dransfieldii, Aiphanes graminifolia, Aiphanes bicornis, Aiphanes buenaventurae, Aiphanes multiplex, Aiphanes acaulis, Aiphanes chiribogensis, Aiphanes concinna, Aiphanes deltoidea, Aiphanes duquei, Aiphanes eggersii, Aiphanes erinacea, Aiphanes gelatinosa, Aiphanes grandis, Aiphanes hirsuta, Aiphanes horrida, Aiphanes killipii, Aiphanes leiostachys, Aiphanes lindeniana, Aiphanes linearis, Aiphanes macroloba, Aiphanes minima, Aiphanes parvifolia, Aiphanes pilaris, Aiphanes simplex, Aiphanes spicata, Aiphanes tricuspidata, Aiphanes truncata, Aiphanes ulei, Aiphanes verrucosa, Aiphanes weberbaueri, Aiphanes argos, Aiphanes tatama, Aiphanes gloria, Aiphanes decipiens,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-66346: Based on the initial data import
Carl Sigismund Kunth (1788-1850): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Kunth' in the authors string.
Santiago Cortés Sarmiento (1854-1924): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Cortés' in the authors string.