| Acanthophoenix | |
|---|---|
| |
| Acanthophoenix rubra | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Subfamily: | Arecoideae |
| Tribe: | Areceae |
| Subtribe: | Oncospermatinae |
| Genus: | Acanthophoenix H.Wendl.[1] |
| Species | |
Acanthophoenix is a genus of flowering plants in the palm family from the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, where they are commonly called palmiste rouge. A genus long in flux, three species are currently recognized, though unsustainable levels of harvesting for their edible palm hearts have brought them all to near extinction in habitat. They are closely related to the Tectiphiala and Deckenia genera, differing in the shape of the staminate flower.[2] The name combines the Greek words for "thorn" and "date palm".[3]
- ^ Wendland, H. A. Flores des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe 16:181. 1867.
- ^ Uhl, N. W. and J. Dransfield. Genera Palmarum - A Classification of Palms Based on the Work of Harold E. Moore. Lawrence, Kansas: Allen Press. 1987. ISBN 0-935868-30-5 / ISBN 978-0-935868-30-2
- ^ Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Portland: Timber Press. 2003. ISBN 0-88192-558-6 / ISBN 978-0-88192-558-6