Fruto - Salacca affinis

This large Salacca is native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo and forms large, stemless clusters of tall, long and thick-stalked leaves that are rather viciously armed with long spines. The very broad leaflets are arranged in clusters. The magnificent, spindle-shaped and snakeskin-clad fruits are borne close to the center of each plant, red when ripe and difficult to reach without gloves but well worth the effort as they are slightly sour but sweet, juicy and aromatic at the same time. The red salak prefers a wet, tropical climate.