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Uses of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) in Florida

La utilización de Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) en el Estado de Florida USA

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Abstract

Saw palmetto [Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small] is the most common native palm in the U.S. and, possibly, the most useful. Cattle and wildlife, especially black bears and white-tailed deer, consume the fruits. The flowers are a favorite nectar source for honey bees, and the sprawling, shrubby palm provides excellent cover for birds, reptiles, and small animals. Saw palmetto's edible fruits were a staple in the diet of Florida's pre-contact inhabitants. Vegetative parts of the plant supply fiber, wax, and roof thatch. Current interest in saw palmetto stems from its use in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. An estimated 6 800 000 kg of the fruit are shipped to Europe each year. Preliminary data suggest that the economic value of saw palmetto harvesting may exceed that of cattle grazing, the common use of much saw palmetto habitat.

Resumen

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) es la palma mas común en los Estados Unidos y, quizás se puede decir, es la mas utíl. El ganado y los animates silvestres, particularmente los osos negros y los venados cola-blanca, comen las frutas. Las flores del saw palmetto son una fuente favorita de nectar para las abejas de miel, y la palma extendido y fruticoso ofrece una cubierta excelente para los reptiles, aves, y animates pequenos. Las frutas comestibles del saw palmetto fueron un alimento principal en la dieta de la gente indígena de la Florida. Las panes vegetativas producen fibra, cera, y hojas para hacer techos. Hoy en día, el interés en saw palmetto resulta del su uso para tratar la inflamacion benigna de la glándula próstata. Se estima que una cantidad de 6 800 000 kg de las frutas es exportada a Europa cada año. Estudios preliminares sugieren que el valor económico de la cosecha de saw palmetto excede el valor de ganadería, cual es el uso mas común de la tierra donde crece saw plametto.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biological Sciences & Environmental Studies, Florida International University and Fairchild Tropical Gardens, 33199, Miami, FL

    Bradley C. Bennett

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Intentional University, 33199, Miami, Florida

    Judith R. Hicklin

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  1. Bradley C. Bennett
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Bennett, B.C., Hicklin, J.R. Uses of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) in Florida. Econ Bot 52, 381–393 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02862068

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