Borassus flabellifer

Borassus flabellifer, commonly known as the Palmyra palm or toddy palm, is a tall, deciduous palm native to South and Southeast Asia. It is valued for its versatile uses: its sap can be fermented into alcoholic drinks or harvested as a sweet syrup (jaggery); its fruits and seeds are edible; and its leaves are used for thatching, mats, and baskets. The tree also provides timber and other materials, making it an important resource for rural communities. Its resilience to drought and poor soils makes it vital for agricultural and ecological sustainability in tropical regions.