The Palm That Makes a Suicide

Tahina palm (Tahina spectabilis) is species of giant palm which grows only in Northwest Madagascar. This palm species is the biggest species of the remained 170 species which are native to Madagascar. The trunk of the taniha palm is 18 meters (59 feet) high. The leaves are 5 meters (16 feet) long in diameter. Tahina palm has been discovered by French plant manager Xavier Metz and his family. They were the first who discovered this giant palm in 2007. Its name derived from tahina, a Malagasy word – to be protected. This palm lives up to 50 years and it grows exactly like all other palms that grow in Madagascar.

However, after 30-50 years of life, tahina palm starts to grow large inflorescence. The tree produces hundreds of tiny flowers on this inflorescence. To attract the insects, the palm must produce nectar and then grow fruits. The large amount of juices from the trunk and roots move to the flowers and fruits too fast and tahina palm collapses and dies.

So, this palm is making a suicide when producing more flowers and fruits. Scientists predict that there are less than 100 of this suicide palm trees.