Serenoa repens

Serenoa repens is a species of palm native to the southeastern United States, most commonly known as saw palmetto. It is a small palm, growing to a maximum height of around 7–10 ft (2.1–3.0 m). Its trunk grows in a creeping manner, often along the ground, and it has a crown of leaves with sharp, saw-like teeth or spines on the petioles.

Description

The Serenoa repens palm has a sprawling trunk that grows horizontally, with the leaves growing upright from the trunk. The leaves are fan-shaped, with 20-30 leaflets. The fruit of the Serenoa repens is a large, brown to black, and contains a single seed.

Distribution and habitat

Serenoa repens is endemic to the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods, coastal dunes, and savannahs.

Uses

The fruit of the Serenoa repens has been used in traditional medicine by the Native Americans for centuries, and it is still used today in alternative medicine. The extract of the fruit is believed to have medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Research

While some studies have suggested that Serenoa repens may be effective in treating BPH, the evidence is not conclusive. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is not enough evidence to support the use of Serenoa repens for any health condition.

Conservation

Serenoa repens is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its habitat is under threat from urban development and habitat destruction.

See also

• List of Southern United States Flora
• Medicinal plants