There is currently renewed interest in the interspecific hybrid, Elaeis guineensis x Elaeis oleifera, because of its good but rot tolerance. In Latin America, using F1 hybrids is the only way to replant zones devastated by the disease. The fertility problems of the hybrids are known, and limits the use of the first-generation commercially. To provide a clearer picture of the potential of this material, this article compares the yields of the F1 hybrids and Elaeis guineensis and recapulates the interesting characteristics of the hybrid material and problems posed by its use.