Palm trees

Palm trees
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	'
Species	'
Binomial name
Binomial authority
Synonyms

Palm trees or palms are a group of plants belonging to the family Arecaceae, which includes about 2600 species across 202 genera. They are characterized by their large, compound, evergreen leaves known as fronds arranged at the top of an unbranched stem. Palms are among the best-known and most extensively cultivated plant families. They have been important to humans throughout much of history. Many common products and foods are derived from palms, and palms are also widely used in landscaping, making them one of the most economically important plants.

Description

Palms are large, typically with a single stem and a crown of large, compound leaves. The leaves are generally pinnate or fan-shaped. Palms grow in a variety of climates, from deserts to rainforests, and range in size from small shrubs to tall trees.

Distribution and habitat

Palms are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are most commonly found in the Tropics, but also thrive in most warm temperate climates. However, they are absent in Antarctica and, naturally, absent from Europe north of the Alps and Russia.

Uses

Palms are used in many ways:

• Culinary uses: Many palms produce fruits that are used in food, such as coconuts, dates, and acai berries.
• Industrial uses: Some species, like the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), are grown commercially for oil production.
• Ornamental uses: Many palms are used in landscaping due to their distinctive appearance, including species like the royal palm and the fan palm.

Conservation

Some palm species are threatened by habitat loss and over-exploitation. Conservation efforts are critical to protect these species from extinction.

See also

• List of Arecaceae genera
• Tropical agriculture
• Horticulture

This plant related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.