Elaeis guineensis Jacq. subsp. virescens

Description:

Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, Malaysia.Ripe fruitlets. Elaeis guineensis Jacq. syn. Elaeis guineensis subsp. virescens. Arecaceae. CN: [Malay - Kelapa sawit], African oil palm, Oil palm.The virescens trait is mostly found among the Deli-Tanzania origin. However, some Nigeria origin also shows segregation of this trait. The virescens fruit type shows a green coloration when immature and is bright reddish-orange at maturity. The virescens trait also experimented as fruit ripeness marker in the breeding of oil palm.This is the uncommon subsp. virescens not deliberately planted in commercial farm. Occasionally, a few palms showing the characteristics as opposed to the common usual subsp. nigrescens. Probably the segregation of the trait happens in some breeding materials by the germinated seeds producers. Virescens was part of the Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) with the desirable distinct bright reddish-orange when ripe to facilitate identification of fruit ripeness. There's no significant difference in Oil Extraction Rate (OER) between the two subspecies.