Arecoideae

Arecoideae is the largest subfamily of the palm family Arecaceae. It comprises a broad diversity of genera and species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including many of the palms that are economically and horticulturally important. Within Arecaceae, Arecoideae is one of the most species-rich subfamilies, and current classifications place its members in multiple tribes defined largely by morphological and molecular data. The subfamily is considered monophyletic in modern phylogenies, though the relationships among tribes remain a subject of study.

Representative genera commonly placed in Arecoideae include Cocos (coconut), Elaeis (oil palm), Phoenix (date palm), Areca (betel nut palm), Arenga (sugar palm), and many others. Members show substantial diversity in habit and leaf form, with both pinnate and palmate leaves and growth forms ranging from large trees to climbing lianas. Reproductive features vary among genera, but many exhibit complex inflorescences that emerge from spathes and produce fleshy fruits such as drupes.

Distribution is pantropical, with centers of diversity in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Economically important species provide edible oil and fruit, fiber, timber, and ornamental value. Arecoideae thus encompasses a substantial portion of the cultivated and wild palm diversity.