Eugeissona tristis (Pokok bertam)

Eugeissona is a big clump-forming palms genus of flowering plants in palm family native to Malaysia, Borneo and Thailand. The six monoecious species provide a wide range of local uses and are commonly called Bertam or Wild Bornean Sago.

Eugeissona tristis palm belongs to Lepidocaryoideae sub-family, which commonly flourishes in disturbed, open areas up to 800 m above sea level.

The bertam has large, brown scaly fruits (shaped like cloves of garlic, akin to the fruits of the salak tree to which the palm is related). Leaf rachis to 3 meter long, with to 100 regularly arranged, linear leaflets per side. These with spines on upper surface.

The leaves make excellent thatch. It is rarely seen in cultivation and looks its best in tropical areas where there is plenty of sun and water.

The fronds of Bertam usually use as wall of chalets or resorts. Moreover, fruit eaten fresh can relieve from fever, the sap from the stem is used for insect sting. The leaves are used as thatch and the leaf for fish traps and fishing poles.
Eugeissona tristis (Pokok bertam)