Salacca affinis

Salacca (SAH-lahk-kah) affinis (ahf-FIHN-iss)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Salacca (SAH-lahk-kah) Species: affinis (ahf-FIHN-iss)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Clustering (soboliferous) Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Red Salak

Habitat and Distribution

Borneo, Malaya,

Singapore. Photo by Reuben C. J. Lim.

Sumatera, Rainforest.

Description

An acaulescant clumping palm with long, erect leaves up to 2.5m tall, and very spiny petioles. The leaflets are born in clusters along the rhachis. Editing by edric.

Culture

Warm, sheltered and moist. Can tolerate temperatures down to 3°C., but will sustain significant damage. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

Produces an edible fruit which is sweet, tho slightly tart, and has a brown, scaly skin.

This large Salacca is native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo and forms large, stemless clusters of tall, long and thick-stalked leaves that are rather viciously armed with long spines. The very broad leaflets are arranged in clusters. The magnificent, spindle-shaped and snakeskin-clad fruits are borne close to the center of each plant, red when ripe and difficult to reach without gloves but well worth the effort as they are slightly sour but sweet, juicy and aromatic at the same time. The red salak prefers a wet, tropical climate. (RPS.com)