Nipah Palm Fruit Plant (Nypa fruticans)

Nypa Palm (Nypa fruticans)

Common Names: Nipah Palm, Mangrove Palm, Nipah, Attap, Water Coconut

Botanical Name: Nypa fruticans

General Information:

Native to the coastlines and estuarine habitats of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Adapted to the mangrove biome.

Large, evergreen palm forming a loose clump of growth.

Prostrate or subterranean stem up to 45 cm in diameter.

Leaves extend up to 9 m (30 ft) in height.

Erect leaves, individual clumps.

Fruits: Woody nuts in a globular cluster up to 25 cm (10 in) across.

Ripe nuts separate and float away on the tide.

Health Benefits: Antioxidant, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, anti-UVB-induced photoaging, antibiofilm, antileukemic, melanogenesis inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate

Summary: The Nypa Palm, scientifically known as Nypa fruticans, is a unique and large evergreen palm adapted to the mangrove biome. It is native to the coastlines and estuarine habitats of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The palm features a prostrate or subterranean stem, with leaves that can extend up to an impressive 9 meters in height. The flowers are distinct, with a globular inflorescence containing female flowers at the tip and catkin-like red or yellow male flowers on lower branches. The woody nuts, produced in a globular cluster, play a role in the palm's reproductive strategy by floating away on the tide for dispersal.