Arenga engleri, commonly known as the Dwarf Sugar Palm or Formosa Palm, is a versatile and highly valued palm with several uses:

• Ornamental Landscaping: Arenga engleri is widely used in tropical and subtropical gardens for its attractive clumping growth habit and feathery fronds. Its manageable size makes it ideal for small gardens, patios, and walkways, adding a lush, tropical feel. It is particularly valued for understory plantings in larger landscapes.
• Edible Sap: The sap of Arenga engleri can be tapped and used to produce palm sugar or fermented to make palm wine. This sap extraction is similar to the process used in other sugar palms and is a traditional source of sweeteners in some regions.
• Crafts and Fiber: The fibers from the palm’s leaf stalks are strong and can be used to make ropes, brushes, and other traditional items. These fibers are durable and have been used in various crafting and utilitarian applications.
• Wildlife Habitat: The fruits of Arenga engleri are small and attractive to birds and other wildlife, making the palm a good choice for gardens that aim to support local biodiversity. Its clumping nature also provides shelter for small animals.
• Thatching and Weaving: The leaves of the Dwarf Sugar Palm can be harvested for thatching roofs in rural areas. Additionally, the fibers are sometimes used in weaving traditional items such as mats and baskets.
• Erosion Control: Due to its clumping growth habit and dense root system, Arenga engleri is sometimes used in erosion control projects, particularly on slopes and hillsides, where it helps stabilize the soil.
• Low Maintenance: Arenga engleri is a low-maintenance palm, making it a popular choice for urban landscaping. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in a variety of soil types.

These uses make Arenga engleri an important and attractive palm, especially in ornamental landscaping and ecological restoration projects. Its versatility in size, resilience, and utility make it a valuable plant in both residential and commercial settings.

Sources:
– Wikipedia
– Useful Tropical Plants Database
– Palmpedia
– Earthone
– Useful Tropical Plants Database
– Chat GPT 4