A native of coastal dunes of Florida and Texas, Saw Palmetto (Sereona repens) has been an important food soource for the local Indian populations. Native Americans have long consumed the fruit of this tree, harvested honey from its flowers and the fanlike branches of this palm also made serviceable brooms. The palm-heart or terminal bud of the Saw Palmetto makes an excellent salad or cooked vegetable.

In addition all parts of the plant are known for their health properties some of which were borrowed by European settlers. A number of recent studies suggest that extracts of the plant may be beneficial in the management of specific health concerns.