Arenga pinnata – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Asia-Tropical

Indonesia, Malaysia (Malaya), Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam,India (east)

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

A drink and sugar are made from the sweet sap obtained from the flowering stems. It is obtained by beating and bruising the developing inflorescence, which is then cut and a juice is obtained from the cut end over a period. Leaves - cooked. The appical bud, known as a 'palm heart' is sometimes used for food. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Removing this bud will result in the death of the plant, since it is unable to produce side shoots. A sago-like flour can be ground from the trunk pith and used for cakes, noodles and other dishes. A product typically made from the plant in West Java is known as kolang kaling - this is the cooked endosperm of young sugar palm fruits. One infructescence yields about 4,500 endosperms. It is used for a cocktail and local refreshment known as kolak.