Palm

Palm trees

Description

A common name for over 2000 species of tropical evergreen trees from the Palmaceae group. Palm trees typically have a single unbranched trunk topped with fronds. Palms are an important source of oil and food, i.e. coconut, date, sago, etc. Fibers from the leaves of the palm trees are used for baskets, mats, and cords.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Palmaceae; palm tree; Palme-familien (Dan.); Palmengewächse (Deut.); Palmera (Esp.); Arécacées (Fr.); palmiers (Fr.); palma (It.); Palmenfamilie (Ned.); Palmbomen (Ned.); Arekowate (Pol.); palmowate(Pol.); Palmeira (Port.)

Additional Images

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  Palm frond

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecaceae (Accessed Jan. 25, 2006)