Family: Arecaceae
Author: Mart.
Bibliography: Hist. Nat. Palm. 3: 221 (1838)
Year: 1838
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Borassus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Comoros, NW. Madagascar
Description
The African fan palm, scientifically known as Borassus aethiopum, is a remarkable species under the Arecaceae family. This distinguished plant was first documented in historical botanical literature by Mart. in 1838. The African fan palm is a significant staple across various regions, predominantly thriving in tropical and southern Africa, the Comoros, and the northwestern part of Madagascar.
One of the most striking features of Borassus aethiopum is its impressive stature and robust structure. Typically characterized by its towering height, the trunk of this palm is sturdy and columnar, often reaching considerable heights and showcasing a rough, textured surface that marks its maturity. At the crown of the African fan palm, the foliage spreads out in a fan-like arrangement, with each leaf being large, glossy, and plicate, contributing to its common name.
Ecologically, the African fan palm plays a vital role within its natural habitat. It is well-adapted to the diverse climates of its native regions, evidencing a remarkable resilience to varying environmental conditions. The plant is not only an architectural marvel but also an essential component of the ecosystem, providing shelter and sustenance to a variety of wildlife species.
Historically and culturally, the African fan palm is deeply valued. Numerous African communities utilize various parts of this palm for different purposes. The trunk and leaves can be used in construction and crafting, making tools, mats, and thatching materials. Additionally, the fruits of Borassus aethiopum are known to be edible and offer nutritional benefits, thus playing a significant role in local diets and traditional culinary practices.
The study of Borassus aethiopum continues to be a point of interest among botanists and researchers, who delve into its unique adaptations and uses. Its enduring presence within human culture and biodiversity underscores its importance as more than just a botanical specimen but as a critical element of the ecosystems and the livelihoods of the people in the regions it inhabits.
In conclusion, the African fan palm represents a fascinating blend of ecological significance and cultural richness. From being a towering giant in the wild to serving multiple practical uses, Borassus aethiopum is a plant that epitomizes the intricate relationship between nature and human ingenuity.
Common Names
Eng: african fan palm, black-rum palm, borassus palm, deleb palm, palmyra palm, rhun palm, elephant palm
Deu: delebpalme
Por: palmeira-abânico
Fra: rondier, palmier ronier, rônier
Ewe: agoti
Mlg: dimaka
Twi: emaakube
Wol: ron
En: African fan palm, Black-rum palm, Borassus palm, Deleb palm, Palmyra palm, African Fan Pam, Fan palm, Cibangalala, N’dhikhua, Kahuma, Kakoma, Kakunka, Muhuma, Rhun Palm, Elephant Palm
Af: Afrikawaaierpalm
Am: ዘምባባ
Ar: بوراس أثيوبي
Bm: Sebe
Bn: বোরাসাস এথিয়োপাম
Zh: 非洲扇棕
Cs: Lontar etiopský
Ee: Agoti
Fi: Etiopianpalmyrapalmu
Fr: Rondier, Ronier, Palmier Ronier, Rônier
Ff: Dubbé, Dubbehi, Dubbr
De: Delebpalme, Äthiopische Palmyrapalme
Ha: Giginya
Mg: Dimaka
Fa: نخل پالمیرای آفریقایی
Pt: Palmeira-abânico
Sg: Nzä
Sw: Mvumo wa Afrika
Tw: Emaakube
Wo: Ris, Rou, Sibi, Tiir, Ron
Synonyms
- Borassus aethiopum var. senegalense (Becc.)
- Borassus aethiopum var. bagamojense (Becc.)
- Borassus flabellifer var. aethiopum ((Mart.) Warb.)
- Borassus sambiranensis (Jum. & H.Perrier)
- Borassus deleb (Becc.)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Comoros (native)
- Congo (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 1, 1991 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 1, 1988 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 1, 1988 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Stevenazzi Fabio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Stevenazzi Fabio (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by velez Luis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sénégal ENGOUEMENT (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Dr Hadi Hakim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Verina Verina Ingram (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Ayrick Bal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2005 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Gift Sarafadin (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2733925)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664869-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Borassus aethiopum Mart.)
