Phoenix (plant) thin layer of fruit pulp. The central soft part of the stem of "P. rupicola, P. acaulis," and "P. humilis" is a rich source of starch. Palms are felled to extract this central ‘pith’ which is dried, powdered, stored and used for preparation of bread by Indian natives. The "P. canariensis" sap is cooked to a sweet, thick syrup. "P. sylvestris" Roxb. is widely used in India as a source of sugar. The sugary sap from some African palms yields country liquor on fermentation (palm wine). While "P. dactylifera" is grown for its edible dates, the Canary Island date palm
Ceratocystis paradoxa the plant. If the pathogen infects the plant while fruits are still on it, they will prematurely drop. Other symptoms include discoloration of leaves as well as the seeds. The lesions on the fruit evolve to become soft rot spots that produce a heinous odor. The fruit can even get to the point of breakdown. Known Hosts: "Ananas comosus" (pineapple) "Araceae" "Areca catechu" (betelnut palm) "Borassus flabellifer" (toddy palm) "Butia capitata" "Cocos nucifera" (coconut) "Coffea" (coffee) "Daucus carota" (carrot) "Dypsis decaryi" "Elaeis guineensis" (African oil palm) "Eucalyptus" "Howea forsteriana" (paradise palm) "Mangifera indica" (mango) "Musa x paradisiaca" (plantain) "Phoenix dactylifera"