American oil palm

The American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) is a tree native to Central and South America, sometimes mistakenly called Elaeis melanococca. Unlike its African counterpart, its trunk grows along the ground and has flat leaves. While both African and American oil palms are sources of palm oil, the American variety's oil was historically used for making candles by early colonists.1

The oil palm family, Arecaceae, is economically significant, providing sources of food, oils, and construction materials. These plants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and are characterized by their woody structure and large leaves.2