Nypa fruticans

Nypa fruticans, also known as the Nipa palm or Mangrove palm, is a species of palm native to the coastal and estuarine habitats of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the only palm considered adapted for the mangrove biome. This species is the only member of the genus Nypa and the subfamily Nypoideae, making it quite distinct within the palm family.

Description

Nypa fruticans is a monocot with a growth form more similar to a clump of large papyrus sedge than a typical palm tree. The palm produces a massive aboveground thatching of leaves that grow up to 9 m (30 ft) long. The leaves are attached to the trunk by a long, horizontal petiole.

Distribution and habitat

The Nipa palm is native to the tropics and subtropics of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. It thrives in soft mud and slow-moving tidal and river waters that bring in nutrients.

Uses

The Nipa palm has a variety of uses. The leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, and umbrellas. The sap is often used to make a sweet, fermented drink called toddy, and the young shoots are edible and often used in salads.

Conservation

While Nypa fruticans is not currently considered threatened, it has been overexploited in many areas for its various uses. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this unique palm species.

See also

• List of Arecaceae genera
• Mangrove