Arenga engleri
{{Short description|Species of palm}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Arenga engleri (Maria Serena).jpg
|status =
|status_system =
|genus = Arenga
|species = engleri
|authority = Becc.
}}
{{Commonscat|Arenga engleri}}
Arenga engleri, or the Formosa palm, Taiwan sugar palm, dwarf sugar palm, or Taiwan arenga palm, is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. The plant rarely grows more than 10 ft. tall, with a stem diameter of 6in. and a spread of 16 ft. The palm is native to Taiwan as well as Japan's Ryukyu Islands. The fruit of the palm is known to cause a severe allergic reaction.http://mobile.floridata.com/Plants/Arecacea/Arenga%20engleri/132 Arenga engleri data
Description
Arenga engleri, is a striking tropical species admired for its ornamental appeal. This clustering palm features multiple stems enveloped in fine black fibers, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Its lush, arching leaves have a characteristic fishtail shape. The deep green, pinnate leaflets often exhibit a gentle twist, creating a slightly spiraled effect. Each leaflet emerges from a thornless midrib, displaying a dark-green to olive hue on the upper surface and a silvery sheen underneath. Notably, the leaflets have a unique induplicate cross-section and are arranged in a single plane along the stem.
Among the foliage, the palm produces spikelike inflorescences containing both male and female flowers, allowing for self-pollination. These blossoms, available in shades of red, orange, or green, emit a pleasant fragrance. The plant eventually bears small, spherical fruits that mature to a deep red or purple color, each containing one to three seeds.{{Cite web |title=Arenga engleri - Palmpedia - Palm Grower's Guide |url=https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Arenga_engleri |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=palmpedia.net}}
Gallery
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 01.jpg|Female flower bud.
File:山棕 - 溪頭自然教育園區 Arenga engleri - Xitou Nature Education Area, Taiwan 20220628191832.jpg|Male flower bud.
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 04.jpg|Bracts are covered with fibers.
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 10.jpg|Bracts (Buds are edible).
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 12.jpg|Wilted flowers remain on the stem.
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 13.jpg|Ripe fruits are black in color and edible.
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 16.jpg|Leaflets with serrated margin.
File:山棕Arenga engleri 20210512173507 19.jpg|The fiber can be used to make brooms and brushes.