Salacca affinis

It is a dioecious, acaulescent, and cespitose plant, and forms large, spiny tufts. The stems are usually underground or creeping, but can measure up to 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 feet) in height. The petioles measure up to 1 meter in length and are covered in yellow-orange to brown spines, which measure up to 10 centimeters in length and occur in clusters of 2–4. The leaves are pale green, pinnate, and measure up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in length and 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) in width. They are lanceolate in shape and drooping. The rachis are covered in irregularly arranged spines, similar to the petioles. The topmost leaves have toothed, almost torn tips. The inflorescences are axillary and are subtended by leafy bracts. The male inflorescences measure 50–100 centimeters (20–39 inches) in length and are ramified and have elongated and flattened spines bearing male flowers on cylindrical rachillae shaped like an ear. The single flower measures 4–6 centimeters (1.6–2.4 inches) in length. Female inflorescences are shorter than males ones, measuring up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) in length, and are ramified with female flowers borne on rachillae shaped like an ear. Female flowers measure up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in length. …

Salacca affinis is native to Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Java, and Sumatra, and occurs in the understory of rainforests, especially near ponds and swamps.

Salacca affinis is rarely cultivated outside of its native range. Since its spines discourage its cultivation in parks and gardens, it is rarely found in cultivation outside of botanical gardens. Cultivation for fruit is limited as those of Salacca zalacca are superior, although it is sometimes gathered locally and sold in markets.