The sand palm is a slender, fan-like plant that grows up to ten metres high. It can be seen in the open forests and woodlands of Kakadu.

From September to May it produces clusters of yellow flowers that form a beautiful display above the crown. The oval-shaped fruits grow between January and June, turning a purplish-black as they ripen.

Culture

Bininj/Mungguy eat the fruits and heart of this palm. The stem is used to make a variety of traditional medicines, while the fruit can be made into dye.

Other names

• Scientific name: Livistona humilis