Family: Arecaceae

Arenga pinnata (sugar palm, black-fiber palm) is a feather palm native to tropical Asia. It is cultivated for a drink and sugar made from its sweet sap. The leaves, fruits and palm heart are edible when cooked. A flour can be made from the ground trunk pith that may be used to make cakes, noodles and other dishes. This plant has been documented as naturalized in East Africa and Malaysia, as well as on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island. This plant is regarded as an environmental weed in Tanzania. It thrives in tropical climates, forming dense stands and reproducing by seed. These seeds are then spread by birds and mammals. The palm also contains spines on the bases of the leaves and the outside of unripe fruits are toxic and allergenic. For this reason this palm is considered high risk.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands), East Africa, Malaysia and possibly elsewhere
  
• Regarded as an environmental weed in Tanzania
  
• Old leaf bases covered with spines
  
• Outer covering of green, unripe fruit toxic and allergenic
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Capable of forming dense stands
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• May hybridize with other Arenga species
  
• Seeds dispersed by larger birds and frugivorous mammals, and intentionally by people
  
• One mature palm may produce as many as 250 000 seeds

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• May be predominantly outcrossing
  
• Reaches maturity from 5-7 years up to 12-15 years at higher elevations
  
• Relatively large seeds unlikely to be dispersed accidentally over long distances