Status of palm tree and growth performance of palmyra palm (Borassus Flabellifer L.) In coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study assessed the biodiversity status of palm species and evaluated the multiplication performance of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) in Dumki Upazila, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. To evaluate palm fruit biodiversity, a structured questionnaire survey was conducted across five unions: Sreerampur, Angaria, Labukhali, Pangasia, and Muradia. The results demonstrated that betel nut was the most dominant palm species (52%), followed by coconut (26%), palmyra palm (12.24%), and date palm (10%). The male-to-female ratio of palmyra palm was 1 : 1.4. 89.83% female plants produced fruits seasonally, whereas 10.17% throughout the year. To evaluate multiplication performance of palmyra palm, five different growing media were utilized. The highest seedling height (115.10 cm), number of palmate leaves (6.80), and total leaves (7.80) were observed in growing media T1 (100% red sand), while the maximum base girth (23.50 cm) was recorded in T4 (50% cow dung + 50% soil). Overall, red sand demonstrated the best performance in seedling growth parameters, indicating its suitability as the most effective growing medium for palmyra palm propagation. The findings of this study highlight the potential for improving palm biodiversity conservation and enhancing nursery propagation of palmyra palm in coastal region of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(3): 581-586, 2026 (September)