Serenoa repens , the saw palmetto , is the sole species currently classified in the genus Serenoa . It has been known by a number of synonyms, including Sabal serrulatum , under which name it still often appears in alternative medicine . more

Serenoa repens , the saw palmetto , is the sole species currently classified in the genus Serenoa . It has been known by a number of synonyms, including Sabal serrulatum , under which name it still often appears in alternative medicine . It is a small palm , normally reaching a height of around 2-4 m (3-6ft) [ 1 ] . Its trunk is sprawling, and it grows in clumps or dense thickets in sandy coastal lands or as undergrowth in pine woods or hardwood hammocks . Erect stems or trunks are rarely produced but are found in some populations. It is endemic to the southeastern United States , most commonly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains, but also as far inland as southern Arkansas . It is a hearty plant; extremely slow growing, and long lived, with some plants, especially in Florida , possibly being as old as 500-700 years [ 2 ] . less