Also known as Salac Palm · Salak · Salak Palm
Salacca zalacca, or snakefruit, is a tropical fruit native to Indonesia, known for its unique scaly rind and sweet-tart flesh. It thrives in humid climates.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Protect young plants from intense direct sun.
Regular
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained. Allow slight drying between waterings.
Well-draining, sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm
100% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Avoid frost and temperatures below 15°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, plus annual organic matter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The plant is covered in sharp spines on its petioles and rachis, which can cause physical injury. The fruit is edible and widely consumed.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Snakefruit thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as soggy conditions are detrimental to its health and fruit production.
Pruning is minimal and mainly involves removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain plant health and shape. Suckers emerging from the base can also be pruned if they are not desired.
This helps direct energy towards fruit production.
Snakefruit is typically propagated by seeds, which require warm, humid conditions and are slow to germinate. Vegetative propagation through offshoots or grafting is also possible but less common for home growers.
Seedlings may take several years to mature and fruit.
Young plants may need repotting every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container to accommodate root growth. Mature plants in the ground rarely require repotting.
Ensure the new pot has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Snakefruit (Salacca zalacca)
Where Snakefruit (Salacca zalacca) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Salacca |
| Species | Salacca zalacca |
Similar in genus Salacca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
