Elaeis guineensis, commonly known as the African oil palm, is a species of palm tree native to West Africa. It is primarily cultivated for its oil-rich fruit, which is a major source of palm oil, widely used in cooking, cosmetics, and biofuels. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and produces clusters of small, reddish fruit. The cultivation of Elaeis guineensis has significant economic importance, especially in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is a key agricultural export. However, its expansion has raised environmental concerns, including deforestation and habitat loss for wildlife, particularly in tropical rainforests.