Adonidia Palm/Adonidia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Arecaceae, native to the Philippines and Borneo. The genus was originally described in 1919. In 1957, it was transferred to the genus Veitchia. In 2008, further study returned it to its own genus. Thus, some older photos from the 1957-2008 period use Veitchia instead of Adonidia.[rx] Another similar palm, the genus Manjekia maturbongsii was first described in 2012 as Adonidia maturbongsii,[rx] but in 2014 it was moved to its own genus, Manjekia.
At present there are two recognized species.[rx] The first, and better known, is the Manila palm (Adonidia merrillii), which is native to the Philippines (Palawan and Danjugan Island) and is reportedly naturalized in the West Indies.[rx] The second is Adonidia dransfieldii, native to Sabah in Borneo and first described in 2015.[rx]
Some palms sold in retail outlets as “Adonidia” are in fact Alexander palms, which are similar but even thinner.
| Adonidia Palm Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Adonidia Palm |
| Scientific Name: | Adonidia merrillii |
| Origin | Palawan and neighbouring islands in the Philippines and east Coast of Sabah in East Malaysia |
| Colors | Pale green to red |
| Shapes | Ovoid, 3–4 cm long, beaked |
Adonidia palm thrives well in tropical climate and is inherent to Philippines and is cultivated throughout the world’s tropic for many centuries. The annual temperature ranges from 22°C to 32°C, with a mean annual temperature of 27.5°C & average annual relative humidity of 80–90% & mean annual rainfall of 2,000–2,500 mm. It moderately tolerates salt and has good wind resistance. The plant grows quickly to the height of 6 feet but slowly thereafter by retaining proportions for long time. Adonidia palm could reach the height of 20 or 25 feet with trunks 5 to 6 inches and canopy spread of 5 to 8 feet. Leaves are pinately compound and about 4 to 5 feet long. Petiole is short and tomentose having two short triangular auricles at the base. The leaflets are regularly arranged and crowded. Flowers are unisexual, creamy-white, inconspicuous and occurs 2 to 3 clusters. Staminate flowers are bullet shaped having three imbricate sepals and 3 valvate petals which are longer than sepals. Pistallate flowers are ovoid having 3 imbricate sepals and 3 imbracite petals. Fruits are beaked, ovoid, 3-4 cm long and pale green that become bright red when matured. Seeds are ovoid and pointed apically.
Stems
Stems are upright, solitary and grey which grows 7 m tall and 25-30 cm in diameter and ringed with crowded leaf scars that fades with age.
Flowers and fruits
Flowers are unisexual, small and creamy white. Flowers are then followed by pale green fruits which are ovoid and measures 3-3.5 cm. Fruits ripen in December.
Culinary uses
- Fruits are used as a substitute for betel nuts.
- Fruits can be consumed raw.
References
