Most species are treelike, characterized by a crown of compound leaves, called fronds, terminating a tall, woody, unbranched stem. Although the palms are of limited use in the United States and other temperate areas, their economic importance in the tropical regions can exceed that of the grasses. Among the most important palms providing food and other products are the coconut , date , and sago . Palm toddy, or wine, is made especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. The fruit of the betel palm provides the world's most-used masticatory.
Carnauba wax is obtained from a Brazilian species.
Among the important palm fibers are raffia and rattan . Daemonorops draco yields dragon's blood , a resin. Another palm-fruit product, tagua , is used as a substitute for ivory. The palmetto palm is the characteristic underbrush plant of the SE United States. The total output of palm oil equals that of all other nondrying oils combined.