Saw Palmetto

A single species of evergreen palm belongs to this genus. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) is grown as an ornamental for its shrub-like habit and clumps of fan-shaped leaves. It occurs mainly in coastal areas, forming dense thickets as an understory in swampy areas, such as the Everglades. Its sweet, olive-shaped fruits, which are produced in abundance, provided food for native tribes, who also recognized their sedative and tonic properties. Settlers who regularly ate the fruits noticed improved digestion and increased strength and weight. They made a soft drink, known as "metto", from the juice. Animals fed on saw palmetto were similarly renowned for their health and vigor. The fruits contain hormonal substances that have anabolic and estrogrenic effects. Though best known as a remedy for prostate problems, saw palmetto is a useful herb for women, and for urinary complaints in either sex. Supplies of fruits for the herb trade are wild-collected, mainly in Florida. Serenoa is named after Sereno Watson (1826-92), an eminent Harvard botanist who described many new plant species during pioneering expeditions.

Clump-forming, rhizomatous palm with fan-shaped, blue-green to yellow-green leaves, 45cm -1m (18-36in) wide. Tiny fragrant, cream flowers are borne in summer, followed by ovoid, oily, blue-black fruits, about 2.5cm (1in) long.

Common Name:	Saw Palmetto
Botanical Name:	Serenoa repens syn. S. serrulata
Genus:	Serenoa
Family:	Arecaceae
Native Location:	SE USA (South Carolina to Florida Keys, and west to Alabama and Missouri
Cultivation:	Moist to wet soil in sun or dappled shade. Plants grown under glass may be attacked by spider mites and scale insects.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by separation of suckers in spring. Divided clumps are difficult to re-establish.
Harvest:	Fruits are collected when ripe, partly dried for elixirs, infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures, or dried and powdered for use in tablets.
Height:	2-4m (6-12ft)
Width:	Indefinite
Hardiness:	Min. 7°C (45°F)
Parts Used:	Fruits
Properties:	A sedative, warming, tonic herb with a soapy taste and pungent, vanilla-like aroma. It affects the endocrine system, is a urinary antiseptic, diuretic, and expectorant, and is reputedly aphrodisiac.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for impotence, low sex drive, debility in elderly men, prostate conditions, cystitis, bronchial complaints associated with coldness, and wasting diseases; also to encourage breast enlargement in women. May be combined with Equisetum arvense (See, Field Horsetail) and Hydrangea arborescens (See, Wild Hydrangea) for enlarged prostate.
Culinary Uses:	Fruits and seeds are edible.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 367