African Oil Palm Tree 200G

African Oil Palm – Elaeis guineensis (200 Gallon Pot) available in Jupiter, FL.

Rich in tropical beauty and botanical significance, the African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a fast-growing, stately palm that adds lush greenery and agricultural interest to large properties in South Florida. Offered here in a 200-gallon pot, this mature specimen is ready to make an immediate impact in agricultural groves, botanical gardens, and estate landscapes.

Native to West Africa, the African Oil Palm is widely known for its economic value in oil production, but it also serves as a bold ornamental tree. It belongs to the Arecaceae family and the Monocotyledonae class, with a tall, solitary trunk and dense crown of feather-like fronds. Its unique fruit clusters and dramatic foliage make it both functional and visually appealing.

This tropical palm thrives in the warmth and moisture of South Florida, where it can be cultivated as part of a regenerative landscape, tropical food forest, or simply as an exotic focal point in large-scale design.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Elaeis guineensis

• Common Name: African Oil Palm

• Family: Arecaceae

• Class: Monocotyledonae

• Pot Size: 200 Gallon

• Mature Height: 30–60 feet

• Spread: 15–25 feet

• USDA Zones: 10–11

• Leaf Type: Pinnate, arching, dark green

• Fruit: Produces oil-rich fruit clusters with orange-red coloring

• Growth Habit: Upright, single-trunk

Sunlight Needs:

Prefers full sun. The African Oil Palm grows best in open, unshaded areas where it receives 6–8+ hours of direct light daily. This promotes strong trunk development and fruiting.

Watering Requirements:

Requires consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. In South Florida, supplemental irrigation may be needed during dry spells, especially in sandy soils. Avoid letting the root zone fully dry out between waterings.

Soil Preferences:

Grows well in rich, well-drained soils. Prefers loamy, organic matter-rich substrates but can adapt to sandy soils with proper amendments. Optimal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soil.

Fertilization:

Apply a palm-specific fertilizer 3–4 times per year, including magnesium and micronutrients. Organic compost or mulch around the base can help retain soil moisture and support healthy growth.

Pest & Disease Tips:

Generally robust in South Florida conditions, but monitor for nutrient deficiencies, scale insects, and fungal issues. Maintain clean growing conditions and proper spacing for airflow.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Prune only spent or yellowing fronds. Avoid removing green leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis and fruit production. Use caution when pruning around the trunk or fruit clusters.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Perfectly suited for tropical climates with year-round warmth and humidity

• Can serve dual roles as an ornamental feature and agricultural crop

• Great for food forest designs, large estates, or tropical-themed properties

• Adds height, drama, and botanical richness to any open landscape

Jupiter Farms & Nursery