There are about 2,780 species of palms in about 212 genera, and they are mainly tropical. Various palms of the genera Cocos, Raphia, Leopoldinia, Attalea, and Caryota provide fibre, whereas Calamus is best-known as a provider of rattan cane. Many genera of palms are grown as ornamental plants and are so valued. In Florida, however, Serenoa repens, which is called saw palmetto, is viewed as a weed by ranchers, although it is a major source of nectar for honey bees.
Insects eat various parts of palms of all genera.
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