Deckenia nobilis

Deckenia nobilis (cabbage palm or millionaire's salad) is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is monotypic within the genus Deckenia, and is endemic to the Seychelles, where it is threatened by habitat loss.^[1] It was described in 1870.^[3]

Millionaire's salad
Deckenia nobilis in Vallee de Mai, Seychelles
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Subfamily:	Arecoideae
Tribe:	Areceae
Subtribe:	Oncospermatinae
Genus:	Deckenia
Species:	D. nobilis
Binomial name
Deckenia nobilis H.Wendl. ex Seem.[2]

Description

The characteristic spiny fruit

The yellow spines that grow on the trunks of young Deckenia nobilis specimens

Leaf detail of Deckenia nobilis, growing on Praslin

This species of palm tree has a distinctive spiny fruit, and produces yellow spines on the trunks of young specimens. Adults reach a height of 40 meters.

Distribution and habitat

Deckenia nobilis is endemic to the Seychelles. In the wild, it is found intermittently in lowland forests, at elevations up to 600 metres.

It is in decline due to unregulated or illegal over-harvesting of the edible palm hearts, but certain stands growing on rocky crags and outcrops are very difficult for humans to reach, which tentatively affords them natural protection. Also, some new growth is attributable to tree nurseries on the Seychelles, which raise D. nobilis seedlings and distribute them to the local populace for planting.^[1]