DISTRIBUTIONThis palm is native to the southeastern United States, from Florida to North Carolina. It grows in coastal dune areas and inland pine woodlands, often forming dense, impenetrable thickets in the understory of pines, such as slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris).TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USES Germany. The fruit is taken orally as a source of estrogen SR077 . North America. Hot water extract of the fruit is taken orally as a sedative SR127 . United States. Hot water extract of the fruit is taken orally for prostate inflammation SR123 and for benign prostatic hyperplasia SR098,SR109 . Fluid extract of the fruit is taken orally for dysmenorrhea SR126 . Hot water extract of the fruit is used to treat colds and for irritated throat. A teaspoon of berries in a cup of boiling water is cooled and taken 1 or 2 cups a day SR128 .