Arecaceae - Palm family
SA Tree no 23
This tree grows in groups in deep, nutrient-poor, sandy soils in low-lying areas. It is often found on river banks, but seldom in river beds, being more common in basalt areas and alluvial soils. In the Kruger National Park it is more common north of the Olifants River.
This is a typical palm tree, with huge, hand-shaped leaves on a tall, smooth, bare, cylindrical trunk. The fruits are large, dark, shiny balls. The height of these trees are from 3 - 15 m.
Links with animals - The fruit is edible - the flesh is eaten by fruit bats, and the nuts by baboon, elephant and monkey.
Human uses - The white nut of the fruit is used as vegetable ivory for button-making and the carving or curios. The sap is used to brew beer, and the leaves are used for thatching, mats, fibre and for making twine.
Gardening - This very attractive palm grows on most soil types, but requires a large amount of water, is not frost or drought-resistant. It is slow growing and cannot be grown from seed or cuttings.
Bark - The bark is fibrous and shows prominent leaf scars.
Fruit - Fruits are large, dark, shiny, plum-like, brown balls, hanging in bunches below the leaves. They are present throughout the year. (60 mm)
Leaves - Huge, bluish-green and hand-shaped. (1 300 mm)
Thorns and Flowers - There are hooked thorns on the petioles. The flowers are tiny and tightly packed and borne in long, drooping sprays; male flowers in pairs, female flowers single, on separate trees, in November to February. (Spray male: 2 000 mm, spray female: 3 000 mm)
Best places to see the Lala Palm in Southern Africa:
The Lala Palm is found in the Kruger National Park in the Alluvial Plains, Knob Thorn / Marula Savannah, Riverine Communities & Mopane / Bushwillow Woodlands ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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