Elaeis guineensis, commonly known as African Oil Palm, is an evergreen tree primarily found in the tropical rainforests and occasionally in the savannahs of West and Central Africa. This palm is a key crop for the production of palm oil, which is extracted from both the fleshy outer layer of the fruits and the seeds, known as palm kernels. Mature palms can reach up to 20 meters (66 ft) in height and are characterized by a single, thick trunk and a crown of arching fronds. The small flowers are inconspicuous, with three sepals and three petals, and are arranged in dense clusters. The fruit matures in 5–6 months, turning reddish and resembling a large plum. Each bunch can weigh between 5 and 30 kg (11 and 66 lb), with the weight increasing as the palm ages.

The African Oil Palm is valued for its high yield of oil-rich fruit, which has numerous culinary and industrial applications. It thrives in hot, humid climates and requires full sun exposure and abundant water to produce optimally. The soil should be well-draining, but the palm is adaptable to a range of soil types. While it is not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, it is extensively cultivated in plantations for its economic value. However, growers should be aware of its potential to become invasive in tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range, such as the Indian Ocean islands, Florida, and Hawaii. It is also susceptible to pests like the rhinoceros beetle and diseases such as Fusarium wilt.CC BY-SA 4.0