African Fan Palm
Borassus akeassii
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Pl. 750C — Borassus akeassii
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IOverview
Overview
African Fan Palm (Borassus akeassii) is a large, fan-shaped palm native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zaïre. This tree thrives in full sun with varying soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. Known for its edible fruit, sap, and shoots, the African Fan Palm is a valuable resource in its native range, providing both food and materials for local communities. One distinctive feature of this palm is its height, reaching up to 10 meters, making it a prominent part of the landscape in its habitat.
Quick answers
What is African Fan Palm?
African Fan Palm (Borassus akeassii) is a large, fan-shaped palm native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zaïre.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Fan Palm thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types—ranging from light sandy to medium and heavy clay soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions but can tolerate some drought once established. Hardy in zones 10-12, this palm grows up to 10 meters tall. For propagation, plant seeds or divide mature plants. Harvest edible parts such as fruit, sap, and shoots for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Fan Palm for the first time
7steps
Start with a young African Fan Palm to ensure success in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young African Fan Palm sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting area.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the sapling during spring when temperatures are consistently above 20°C (68°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of sand, loam, and clay for good drainage. Ensure the container is at least 30 cm in diameter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent location or a large pot with plenty of space for growth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly but ensure the soil does not dry out completely. Place in partial shade during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize lightly twice a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain appearance. Harvest fruit and sap as they become available.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSapShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native
Africa8 regions
native (8)BeninBurkina FasoCôte d'IvoireGuinea-BissauMaliNigerNigeriaSenegal
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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