The oil palm belongs to the genus Elaeis and comprises two species.
Elaeis guineensis
Originates from Africa and is currently the commercial species planted in South East Asia. It is higher yielding than E. oleifera and its inter-specific hybrids (OxG)
Elaeis oleifera
Native to South America and has more liquid oil, lower height increment and generally more tolerant to disease compared to E. guineensis.
It requires assisted pollination for good fruit-set.