Elaeis

Elaeis is a genus of palms in the family Arecaceae that comprises two widely recognized species: Elaeis guineensis, the African oil palm, and Elaeis oleifera, the American oil palm. Native to tropical Africa and the Americas, respectively, both species are cultivated for fruits that yield palm oil from the mesocarp and palm kernel oil from the seed.

In appearance, oil palms are tall trees with robust trunks and long, pinnate leaves. The fruit is a small drupe produced in large bunches; each drupe contains an oil-rich mesocarp and a hard seed that yields palm kernel oil when processed.

Uses and cultivation are centered on oil production. Palm oil is a major globally traded vegetable oil used in foods, cosmetics, and biofuels, while palm kernel oil accompanies many specialty fats and industrial products. The leading producers are Indonesia and Malaysia, with cultivation also established in parts of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia through plantations and smallholder farming.

Genetics and breeding efforts include the development of interspecific hybrids between E. guineensis and E. oleifera to combine desirable traits such as disease tolerance and oil composition. Ongoing programs aim to improve yield, oil quality, and resilience to pests and diseases.

Environmental and social considerations accompany oil palm cultivation. Expansion has been linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions in some regions. Sustainable certification schemes and landscape-level planning seek to mitigate impacts, though debates continue over land use, livelihoods, and long-term sustainability.