Arecaceae

Arecaceae, commonly known as the palm family, is a diverse group of flowering plants in the monocots, placed in the order Arecales. The family comprises about 181 genera and around 2,600 species and is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with major centers of diversity in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Palms are mostly trees with unbranched trunks, though some species form clumps of stems.

Leaves are large, evergreen, and usually either pinnate or palmate. The inflorescences emerge from the leaf bases and bear numerous small flowers. The fruit is typically a drupe, often one-seeded, though species vary. Reproductive systems vary: some species are monoecious, others dioecious.

Ecology and uses: Palms occupy diverse habitats from rainforests to arid regions and coastal dunes. They are important for wildlife and provide products for humans, including edible fruits and oils, fibers, and ornamental plants. Major crops include Cocos nucifera (coconut), Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) and Areca catechu (betel nut). The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) provides starch; rattan palms (Calamus spp.) supply cane for weaving.

Taxonomy and systematics: The group is subdivided into several subfamilies, with Arecoideae the largest. Numerous genera are cultivated as ornamentals, such as Trachycarpus, Washingtonia, Chamaerops, Dypsis, Sabal, Roystonea, and many others. The family also includes economically important and endangered species; habitat loss and overharvesting threaten some palms.