Hyphaene reptans

Hyphaene (hy-FEHN-eh) reptans (REHP-tahns)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Hyphaene (hy-FEHN-eh) Species: reptans (REHP-tahns)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Africa
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Costapalmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Kenya, Somalia, and Yemen. Hyphaene reptans is apparently restricted to Kenya,

Photo by Dr. John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/Palmweb.

with reports to be confirmed in Somalia and Arabia. This palm grows in extreme arid, desert conditions and associated with perched water tables. Grows in extreme arid, desert conditions and associated with perched water tables.

Description

Biology: This is an imperfectly studied taxon almost only known from the original description (cf. Beccari, 1908). It is apparently different from all other Hyphaene in its creeping habit, the several arms of the dichotomies radiating outwards from a central point, the stem flattened, tending to lie on the surface of the ground. Additional material is critical for a better understanding of this taxon. Editing by edric.

Comments and Curiosities

This species is sometimes confused at vegetative stage with Borassus aethiopum, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of red dark rounded scales in the lamina and very indistinct lateral veins.