Depending on the species, fruit colour varies from black to brown, yellow, or orange; the fibrous pulp is aromatic and sweet to taste.

Each seed is enclosed in a woody endocarp, which protects it when the fruit is consumed by elephants, monkeys, and other frugivores.

At germination, the young seedling extends downwards into the soil and only a few leaves are visible above ground; this provides some protection against frequent fires in its savanna habitat; after an indeterminate number of years (the establishment phase), the seedling forms a stem and quickly grows above the savanna vegetation, where it is then less vulnerable to fire.

In Sri Lanka, it is more common in the northern part of the country, where it has many uses including the production of jaggery from the syrup.

In ancient India, palmyra leaves were used as writing paper, with their parallel veins providing a useful rule.

In India, mature leaves of suitable size, shape, and texture were chosen and preserved by boiling in salt water with turmeric powder.

The black timber is hard, heavy, and durable and highly valued for construction, especially in structures exposed to water, such as wharves, fences, and boats.

The project is aimed at reviving the palmyra palm industry in Jaffna district, which has over 3.5 million trees.