Elaeis guineensis
TAXONOMY
FamilyArecaceae
GenusElaeis
Zone10
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Elaeis guineensis, commonly known as the African oil palm, is a species of palm native to West and Southwest Africa. It is a significant source of palm oil, which is used in food, cosmetics, and biofuel. The tree thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow up to 20 meters tall. It is a perennial plant and does not have a dormancy period.
ALSO KNOWN AS
African Oil Palm
Palma Oleosa
Elaeis dybowskii
Elaeis guineensis f. androgyna
Elaeis guineensis f. caryolitica
Elaeis guineensis f. dioica
Elaeis guineensis f. dura
Elaeis guineensis f. fatua
Elaeis guineensis f. ramosa
Elaeis guineensis f. semidura
Elaeis guineensis f. tenera
Elaeis guineensis subsp. virescens
Elaeis guineensis var. albescens
Elaeis guineensis var. angulosa
Elaeis guineensis var. ceredia
Elaeis guineensis var. compressa
Elaeis guineensis var. gracilinux
Elaeis guineensis var. idolatrica
Elaeis guineensis var. intermedia
Elaeis guineensis var. leucocarpa
Elaeis guineensis var. macrocarpa
Elaeis guineensis var. macrocarya
Elaeis guineensis var. macrophylla
Elaeis guineensis var. macrosperma
Elaeis guineensis var. madagascariensis
Elaeis guineensis var. microsperma
Elaeis guineensis var. pisifera
Elaeis guineensis var. repanda
Elaeis guineensis var. rostrata
Elaeis guineensis var. sempernigra
Elaeis guineensis var. spectabilis
Elaeis madagascariensis
Elaeis melanococca
Elaeis virescens
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature27° C
Humidity80%
GDD21,900
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
The African oil palm requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers consistently wet soil. Regular watering is essential to maintain soil moisture. The plant does well in moderate to high temperatures and high humidity levels.Harvest
Elaeis guineensis, commonly known as the African oil palm, is typically harvested for its fruit, which is used to produce palm oil. The fruit bunches are ready for harvest when the fruits begin to turn a reddish-orange color and some fruits start to detach from the bunch naturally. Harvesting is usually done manually using a harvesting sickle or a mechanized cutter. The fruit bunches are cut from the tree and collected for processing. It is important to harvest the fruit at the right time to ensure maximum oil yield and quality. Regular monitoring of the fruit bunches is necessary to determine the optimal harvest time.Soil
Elaeis guineensis prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-draining yet capable of retaining moisture. It is important to keep the soil consistently wet to mimic the plant's natural tropical habitat.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 15-15-15 is recommended for the African oil palm. Fertilize the plant regularly during the growing season to ensure it receives adequate nutrients for optimal growth.Repotting
Repotting is necessary when the plant outgrows its current container. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and use a rich, loamy soil mix. Repotting should be done carefully to avoid damaging the roots.Propagation
Propagation of Elaeis guineensis is typically done through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a warm, humid environment and kept consistently moist. Germination can take several weeks to months.Pruning
Pruning is required to remove dead or damaged fronds and to maintain the plant's shape. Prune the plant regularly to promote healthy growth and to prevent the accumulation of dead material.Toxicity
Elaeis guineensis is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and to keep them out of reach of small children and pets.Additional
The African oil palm is a major agricultural crop in tropical regions, and its oil is a key ingredient in many products. Sustainable cultivation practices are important to minimize environmental impact and to ensure the long-term viability of palm oil production.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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