Phoenix reclinata

A clustering palm native to tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, the Comoros, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, it belongs to the Arecaceae family. Its multiple trunks can reach about forty feet tall and often form dense thickets. The arching green leaves have lower leaflets modified into spines. It grows along watercourses and on moist, open hillsides. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Female flower clusters become pendulous as their fruits develop. The small, oval fruits ripen pale yellow to orange or dull red. The edible fruits feed birds, monkeys and other mammals. Leaves are woven into mats, baskets and hats, and the sap is used to make palm wine. Propagation is by seeds or suckers. It is invasive in southern Florida. Photographed in the department of Magdalena, Colombia.