Excessive leaf removal and/or felling for thatch (and the
palm heart trade) opens up the canopy of Soga stands and
introduces a serious threat of weed invasion by the vine
Merremia peltata and other creepers which can outcompete
Soga for resources such as light and nutrients as well
smother young palms and even kill adults before they fruit.
In addition, the heavy removal of leaves from juvenile
palms stunts their growth and keeps them in a permanent
juvenile condition.