Bentinckia condapanna, the hill areca nut, is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is found only in India. It is threatened by habitat loss. This palm is mainly found in the evergreen forests of Western Ghats of India.

Bentinckia condapanna
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Bentinckia
Species:
B. condapanna
Binomial name
Bentinckia condapanna
Berry

Description

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Bentinckia condapanna, with fruits.

It is a monoecious tree. It grows generally on the steep rocky slopes and cliffs in the rainforests of the southern Western Ghats. It is endemic to this region. It is found mainly at an altitude of 1000–1800 msl.[2] This palm grows up to 10m tall with the girth of about 15 cm. Flowers and nuts can be seen throughout the year.[3] Although it is restricted to certain isolated regions, it is common in few places within its distributional range.[4] Its heart is eaten by the local tribal people.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Johnson, D. (1998). "Bentinckia condapanna". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T38449A10119906. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T38449A10119906.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ Henderson, A (2009). "Palms of Southern Asia". The New York Botanical Garden. Princeton University Press. Princeton.
  3. ^ Matthew, K. M (1999). "The Flora of the Palni Hills, South India". Part 1-3. The Rapinat Herbarium, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli, India.
  4. ^ Brandis, D (1906). "Indian Trees – An account of Trees, Shrubs, Woody climbers, Bamboos and Palms indigenous or commonly cultivated in the British Indian Empire". Third Reprint 1990. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India.
  5. ^ Henderson, A (2009). "Palms of Southern Asia". The New York Botanical Garden. Princeton University Press. Princeton.
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