This palm is characterized by its solitary habit, meaning it grows individually rather than in clusters. It has a slender stem reaching up to 10 meters tall and about 15 centimeters in diameter. The stem has a smooth, grey surface with noticeable rings (annulate scaring). The crown consists of sparse, arching fronds. The leaves are pinnate, with numerous leaflets measuring 60-75 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. Interestingly, some leaflets are grouped together at the tip, often forming a bifid (forked) appearance.

Bentinckia condapannathrives in the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats, typically found at elevations between 1000 and 1800 meters above sea level. It prefers to grow on steep rocky slopes and cliffs, making it a unique and resilient palm species adapted to this challenging habitat.

The palm is monoecious, meaning a single plant produces both male and female flowers. These flowers are small and inconspicuous, blooming throughout the year. The fruits are small, round nuts that mature to a black color. The heart of the palm is known to be consumed by local tribal people.

Conservation Status

Bentinckia condapannais listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates that the palm faces a significant risk of extinction in the coming years. Habitat loss due to land clearing and encroachment is considered the primary threat. Additionally, the palm is susceptible to browsing by elephants, further impacting its population.

Additional Information

• Bentinckia condapannais named after Lord William Cavendish Bentick, who served as the Governor of Madras (Chennai) in India during the early 1800s.
• Due to its threatened status and challenging habitat, this palm is not widely cultivated commercially.