Arenga microcarpa (Arenga Species, Wild Sago Palm, Areng Palm, Black Sugar Palm, Kaong, Solitary Sugar Palm)


Botanical Information

FamilyArecaceae
GenusArenga
Speciesmicrocarpa
SynonymsArenga microcarpa var. keyensis, Arenga gracilicaulis F.M.Bailey, Didymosperma humile Lauterb. & K.Schum, Didymosperma microcarpum (Becc.) Warb. ex K.Schum. & Lauterb, Didymosperma novoguineense Warb. ex K.Schum. & Lauterb.
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesTropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2019-05-18.
OriginSoutheast Asia (Indonesia to New Guinea) and northern Australia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The taller Arenga palms store large quantities of starch in their stems.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-3.8) to above 4.5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height4 - 8 metres tall but exceptionally to 14 metres.

Description and Growing Information

PropagationBy seed.
CultivationTolerates low light, but does best in a sunny, tropical position, with plenty of water. 
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatPrimary rainforest.
Bark/Stem DescriptionMulti-stemmed species, slender, unbranched stems can be 12 cm in diameter, crowned by a rosette of 5 - 10 leaves. The stem dies once flowers have been produced from the basal node.
Leaf DescriptionDark glossy green leaves, with silvery undersides.
Flower DescriptionPurple flowers, and small red fruit. A flowering shoot is produced from each node on the stem.
Fruit DescriptionA small red fruit.
Texture DescriptionPlant has spines or sharp edges.

Photographs