Some palms may have up to 250,000 flowers. Palms occur in tropical habitats. They can be found in lowland rain forests, high mountains, mangrove swamps and deserts. Tropical Asia has up to 1400 species whereas Africa only has 120. About 950 species occur in the American tropics.
Palms are important sources of food.
Two examples are dates and coconuts. The trees are also useful for fibers called raffia. Rattan fibers are used to make furniture. Coir is the fiber pulled from the husk of the palm. It is used to make brooms and brushes.