Phoenix roebelenii
Loosely clustering. Stems 1–3 m tall stems, often with acaulescent suckers basally, 8–10 cm diam., with densely inserted persistent leaf bases. Leaves 1–2 m long, arching; leaf sheath not ligulate; blade with 25–50 leaflets per side, regularly arranged in one plane, concolorous, deep green, acanthophylls 10–14 per side, up to 8 cm long. Male inflorescence pendulous, peduncle 20–30 cm long, rachillae 15–20, 7–20 cm long; male flowers 8–9 mm long; female inflorescence erect, peduncle 20–30 cm long, rachillae 40–50; female flowers 5–6 mm long. Infructescence 1.2–1.5 m long, arching at maturity. Fruits obovoid, 1.3–1.8 x 0.6–0.7 cm, rounded in cross section.
Little is known of occurrence of this palm in Thailand.
There are no Thai records for this palm, but it occurs nearby in Laos and from there has been introduced in large quantities as wild-collected mature plants into the horticulture trade in Thailand. Long known in cultivation, the traditionally grown plant is single-stemmed whereas in the wild it seems more usually to be caespitose.
Global — China (Yunnan), Laos (type), Vietnam.
Thailand — NORTH-EASTERN: Nong Khai (?).
Occurs as a rheophyte along the rocky banks of the Mekong River and its tributaries.
Ornamental.