Hyphaene

Hyphaene is a genus of palms in the family Arecaceae, consisting of several species native to Africa and adjacent regions, with some ranges reaching Madagascar and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The best-known member is Hyphaene thebaica, commonly called the doum palm, which is widely distributed in Sahelian and tropical Africa and into the Middle East. Hyphaene palms are palmate (fan-shaped) in their leaves and can form single trunks or small clumps, often with a rugged, drought-tolerant habit.

Like many palms, Hyphaene species are typically dioecious, producing separate male and female plants. They bear inflorescences that emerge from the crown and develop into small drupes. The fruits are often fibrous and can be edible; in the case of the doum palm, the fruit and its fibers are used in traditional foods and drinks, and the leaves and trunk are employed in weaving, matting, basketry, and thatching.

Distribution and habitat vary by species, but Hyphaene palms are generally adapted to dry tropical environments. They commonly grow on riverbanks, floodplains, and open savannas where seasonal moisture is available. These palms can play an important ecological role by providing shade, food resources, and shelter for wildlife, particularly in arid and semi-arid landscapes.

Conservation status also varies among species, with some facing pressures from habitat loss, overharvesting for timber and fiber, and climate change. Hyphaene remains of interest for ethnobotanical uses and for its cultural significance in regions where it grows.