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PlantSnap
Plant Care
African fan palm
(Borassus aethiopum)
Also Known As
African fan palm, Palmyra palm, Toddy palm
About This Plant
Borassus aethiopum is a tall, single-stemmed palm tree that can reach up to 25 meters (82 feet) in height. The trunk is grayish-brown and covered in leaf scars. The leaves are fan-shaped and can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) long. The fruit is a large, round, brown drupe with a fibrous outer layer and a hard, woody inner shell that contains several seeds.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
Height: 25 meters (82 feet) ; Spread: 10 meters (33 feet)
Light Requirements
Borassus aethiopum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will grow best in full sun.
Humidity Needs
It prefers low to moderate humidity levels.
Fertilizing Schedule
It requires regular fertilization during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning Guidelines
It requires minimal pruning, only to remove dead leaves and fruit stalks.
Common Pests and Diseases
Borassus aethiopum is generally pest-free, but it can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor growth
Watering Schedule
It requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate drought conditions.
Temperature Range
It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C (50°F) to 40°C (104°F), but it prefers warm and humid conditions.
Growing Season
The growing season for Borassus aethiopum is from late spring to early fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Borassus aethiopum is considered moderately difficult to grow, as it requires specific growing conditions and a long growing season.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Borassus aethiopum is not frost-tolerant and can only be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Did You Know?
Borassus aethiopum is a very important plant in Africa, where it is used for food, medicine, and building materials. The fruit is used to make a popular local drink called palm wine, and the leaves are used to make baskets, mats, and roofing material.
