Oil Palm is native to Africa.

Oil Palm may also be referred to as African Oil Palm and originated from West Africa.

It is a perennial tropical tree grown for its oil.

Major Oil Palm growing countries in the world are Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Pakistan, India and United States.

Major Oil Palm growing states  in India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Kerala, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Tripura, West Bengal and some areas of Andaman

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Arecales
• Family: Arecaceae
• Genus: Elaeis
• Species: guineensis

Fruits are the most economically important parts of Oil Palm

Oil Palm is typically grown in tropical lowland regions over large areas.

The tree requires deep soil and stable high temperatures 30°C – 32°C for optimum productivity.

Temperatures below 20°C will severely reduce the growth of both species, while the African oil palm will also suffer a reduction in growth at temperatures above 40°C.

Oil Palms will grow in a variety of deep tropical soils and will tolerate a pH between 4.0 and 8.0. 

Oil Palms have a requirement for continuous moisture throughout the year. 

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Mealy Bug, Rhinoceros Beetle, Spindle Bug, Root Grub and Red Palm Weevil.
    
  • Major Diseases: Bacterial Bud Rot, Ganoderma Butt Rot, Wilt and Pestalotiopsis Leaf Spot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Yellowing
  • Stunted growth