| Climate Zone | 11 |
| Min Temp | Over 40 F / Over 4 C |
| Leaf Type | Pinnate |
| Height | 20 Ft / 6 M |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Conservation Status |
Not Evaluated
|
Salacca zalacca
Snake Fruit Palm
Sizes
- 1 gallon
About Salacca zalacca
This is a clustering, acaulescent palm, meaning its stems are typically hidden beneath the ground or obscured by persistent leaf bases, with dense clumps spreading outwards over time. It lacks a true crownshaft, with the leaf bases and petiole sheaths forming a fibrous mass densely armed with spines. Its crown is made up of arching, pinnate leaves with glossy, dark green leaflets arranged in a neat, fishbone pattern; petioles and rachises are covered in sharp spines, making handling difficult. Inflorescences emerge near the base of the plant and are dioecious—male and female flowers appear on separate plants—with the flowers often hidden within the dense lower foliage. The fruits are oval to egg-shaped and covered in reddish-brown, scaly skin that resembles snake scales; they contain crisp, sweet, and acidic edible flesh surrounding one or more hard seeds. This species is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia for its fruit, but is rarely grown ornamentally outside of tropical fruit farms or botanical gardens due to its formidable spines and dioecious nature.
Cultivation Tips
This palm prefers a lowland tropical garden location with consistent warmth, humidity, and shelter from wind—it’s best planted in open ground where its spiny spread won’t pose a hazard. It grows best in partial shade or filtered light when young, but can handle full sun in humid tropical climates once established.
Plant in deep, fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter; loamy, slightly acidic conditions with good water retention are ideal. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during fruiting periods, but avoid standing water around the base. Fertilize every two to three months with a high-potassium formula to support flowering and fruit development, especially in productive female plants.
