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Summary
American Oil Palm or Elaeis oleifera is a palm species native to South and Central America. It is large and single-stemmed topped by a crown of large, arching leaves. It grows at least 6 m tall. Flowers and fruits are bright red in colour and form into dense clusters. Oil obtained from the pulp is used against rheumatism and dandruff, to promote hair growth and to repel insects. The plant produces two types of oil used as cooking oil, and for making margarine, ice cream, soaps, detergents, shampoos, etc. - palm oil (from the fruit) and kernel oil (from the seeds).
Physical Characteristics
Elaeis_oleifera is an evergreen Tree growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow 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: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Alfonsia oleifera Kunth Corozo oleifera (Kunth) L.H.Bailey Elaeis melanococca Mart.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Oil - two types of oil are obtained from the plant. Palm oil is obtained from the fruit whilst palm kernel oil is obtained from the seed[ 297 ]. Both have a wide range of uses, including making margarine, ice cream and as a cooking oil[ 297 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The oil obtained from the pulp is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism, to invigorate hair growth, combat dandruff and to repel insects[ 739 ]. Hairs from the leaf axils are said to be haemostatic[ 739 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Other Uses: Oil - two types of oil are obtained from the plant. Palm oil is obtained from the fruit whilst palm kernel oil is obtained from the seed[ 297 ]. These oils contain a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids[ 418 ]. Both have a wide range of uses, including making soaps, detergents, shampoos, cosmetics, hair creams, lubricating oil, additives and fluxes[ 297 , 768 ]. The oil can be applied to the body as an insect repellent[ 739 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A plant of the lowland, moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 510 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 30°c, but can tolerate 14 - 34°c[ 418 ]. It can be killed by temperatures of 8°c or lower[ 418 ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,400 - 2,500mm, but tolerates 700 - 3,500mm[ 418 ]. Plants grow well in full sun, even when small[ 297 ]. Requires a humus-rich, well-drained soil, but is not fussy as to soil type[ 297 , 314 , 418 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.3[ 418 ]. A slow growing tree[ 418 ]. Plants can commence bearing just 3 years after the seed has germinated[ 297 ]. The plant produces both male and female flowers, but not usually at the same time. An individual inflorescence will be all male or all female flowers; after a series of inflorescences of one sex the plant will then produce a series of inflorescences of the opposite sex[ 768 ]. Spacing: 15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m) 20-30 ft. (6-9 m).
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - pre-soak 24 hours in warm water and sow in containers. Germination takes place in 2 - 5 months[ 297 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Corozo, Batana, Murisi, Caiaue, Noli, Ujun, Palmiche, Coquito, batana, murísi,
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela (north), Colombia (north), Ecuador, Peru,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Kunth) Cortés
Botanical References
1
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Elaeis_oleifera
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