Elaeis oleifera

Abstract

A cousin of the widely planted African oil palm, Elaeis oleifera is the only representative of the genus that occurs naturally in the New World where it usually grows on floodplains. But deciphering “wild” stands of the American oil palm from groves that have been established by people in the past is a difficult task. Indeed, American oil palm is considered an indicator species of archaeological sites with anthropogenic black earth. American oil palm has naturalized in some upland areas where it was introduced by indigenous peoples long ago. The oil-rich fruits are gathered to make juice and to prepare remedies for a wide range of health problems. This palm was likely taken to Central America in precontact times. In addition to the fruit, the fronds of this palm are used to shade vegetables and to create a mat to dry fish. This palm has also been used by plant breeders working to improve African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis).