This tall palm is frequently noticeable in drier tropical regions where it grows to perfection. It is native to India and Malaysia and is widespread and common in open situations, frequently growing in dry, sandy soils near the coast and often forming communities. The hard, black trunks are often curved and bear a dead skirt beneath the crown of large (3 Meter across), rigid, blue-green, fan-shaped leaves. In its native state the very old plants are cut for their hard, black timber and also the sap is topped to yield palm sugar and the leaves may be made into paper. When fresh, the large, black fruit (almost as large as coconuts) contain one to three large seeds which are surrounded by a layer of orange, fibrous flesh which is sweet and juicy. Palmyra Palms greatly resent disturbance and the seeds are best sown in their permanent position in the ground. They like a sunny aspect in well-drained soil and are very sensitive to cold. Seed takes two to six months to germinate. This palm has been erroneously recorded from Australia, this record being based on planted specimen in the garden of Somerset, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. read more

A magnificent fan palm prized for its large, heavy crown of blue-green leaves which creak in the slightest breeze The lamina may be in excess of 3 Meter across and is strongly costapalmate with rigid, waxy segments. It is supported by a very thick petiole which is covered with a waxy, wooly material. The petiole splits at the base, where it is attached to the trunk. The trunk itself is stout, clear of petiole bases and may reach 10 Meter tall in nature. The fruit is about 3 cm across and brown when ripe. In cultivation, the palm is reputed to be fast growing. It is ideal for group planting and seen at its best in an open situation where it can develop to its potential. It requires a sunny aspect in well-drained soil and grows best in the tropics. read more

A familiar tropical species which is native to the Philippine islands. It is becoming widely planted, especially in tropical areas and is favoured because of its neat habit and compact crown of arching, bright green, feathery fronds atop a green crown-shaft and a slender, ringed trunk. The crowded leaflets are held erect and have drooping tips. The lower segments retain prominent slender reins (lorae). Its ornamental appeal is enhanced by large clusters of bright, glossy-red fruit (each about 3m long), hence the alternative common name. It is an ideal species to plant in the lawn of the average suburban garden of the tropics. Plants will grow happily in a sunny position and can be planted out when small. They ar fast growing and may flower when quite young. Although they will survive in subtropical areas, they ar very cold-sensitive and have their best appearance in the warm tropics and are excellent for coastal districts. Potted plants are reputed to be good for indoor decoration. read more

A multi-stemmed fan palm from southern China that forms dense clumps or thickets that are leafy to ground level. The leaves have five to eight widely divergent segments that are stiff and spreading or held erect and with no tendency to droop. The leaves are light green and generally take on a yellowish hue if the plants are starved or grown in full sun. The stems are very slender and covered with woven brown fibre. It is one of the best garden palms but because of its very slow growth. It is very cold-tolerant and will grow well in temperate areas. Plants can also be induced to grow in the tropics but in a shady position. In temperate regions the species will tolerate considerable exposure to sun, even full sun, but the leaves bleach badly and may even burn, especially if not watered regularly. For best appearance this species should grown in a semi-protected position where it only received partial sunlight during the day. It can be successfully established under large trees and will make satisfactory growth providing it is mulched and kept moist. Indoors the plants are very decorative and will last for long periods without the need for spelling. In fact it is one of the most durable of indoor palm. Most propagation is by division of the clumps. Seedling-grown plants are rarely available. read more

The first common name of this palm arises from the clumps of slender, golden stems and leaf stalks that each plant produces. The stems grow up to 10 meter tall and each is topped with a crown of curved, yellowish-green pinnate fronds. New canes are produced from the base of the clump as the older canes mature. This spineless and very decorative palm is native to Madagascar where it grows in large thickets along streams, in littoral forests and in sand dunes. The golden colouration is especially pronounced in starved specimens or tose grown in a very hot, sunny position. Golden Cane Palm is very popular in the tropics and subtropics but can even be grown in temperate regions. It is however, rather cold-sensitive when young. Plants prefer a sunny position in rich, well-drained soils. Large plants are often used for indoor decoration but need very bright light. Seed germinates easily but it may take four to five months for seedlings to appear. read more

Although most familiar in its natural habitat lining tropical, sandy beaches, the Coconut will also grow in warm inland areas and on near-coastal tropical tablelands up to about 1000 meter altitude. The secret of its success seems to be  warm to hot, humid climate and access to underground water. Coconuts are widely planted in coastal districts from the tropics to warm-temperate region but they rarely fruit in the subtropics or further south. There are numerous varieties of Coconuts suited to different climatic zones, bearing nuts of different sizes and being tall or dwarf-growing. Coconut Palms make an excellent street tree (although the plants tend to lean) and are widely planted in gardens of the tropics. Their ability to withstand severe coastal conditions is unparalleled in palms. Coconuts germinate readily in warm temperatures and their subsequent growth is quite fast. They respond strongly to the use of nitrogenous fertilisers. read more

The Brilliant, glossy, scarlet leaf-bases and petioles which characterise this tropical species make it one of the most colourful and ornamental of all palms. With this colour contrasting with its dark green, erect leaflets and added to the neat, clumping habit, it is perhaps surprising that the species is not more widely grown than it is at present. There is some suggestion that it may not be an easy plant to establish and it is certainly very tropical in its requirements. Plants will grown in shade or full sun and require plenty of water at all times. The slender stems grow to about 6 meter tall. Also excellent in large containers. The palm is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo and grows in near coastal swamps. Seed should be sown soon after collection as it loses its viability rapidly. Germination usually takes place within 2 months of sowing. read more

This majestic palm is the national tree of Cuba where it is still abundant, growing on fertile soils to about 1000 meters altitude. The bulging, concrete-white trunks are a useful guide to its identity. The bulge is usually present in the middle but may occur anywhere along its length. Its plumose leaves carried in a graceful, rounded crown and the oblong fruit, which are flattened or compressed on one side are also distinctive. In its native country the trunks are cut for timber, the leaf-bases are used as a water-proof covering for bales of tobacco and the fruits (called ‘palmiche’) are used to feed pigs. Cuban Royal Palm is a familiar sight as it is very commonly planted throughout the tropics and to a lesser extent, the subtropics. It is frequetly planted in rows beside driveways, roads and avenues and makes a uniform and stately palm for this purpose. A sunny position in well-drained soil is essential for success, although plants may grow rapidly in wet soils where the water is not stgnant. Plants respond vigorously to heavy applications of fertililzer rich in nitrogen. read more

A delightful palm which has exploded in popularity and is now widely planted in many countries. Plants have proved to be fast growing and adaptable. Best growth is achieved in drier tropical regions but success has also been gained in the subtropics. Plants demand good drainage but seedlings will take hot sun from an early age. Ornamental features include a slender, closely ringed, columnar to slightly bottle shaped trunk, graceful, arching, densely plumose fronds, a slender crownshaft and colourful clusters of large, orange-red fruit. The species occurs naturally in the Melville Range, near Bathurst Bay on Cape York Peninsula, north-eastern Queensland. It grows in loose, granitic, sandy soils among huge granite boulders. The climate is tropical, with a prolonged dry season. read more

A popular, fast-growing palm which is widely grown in tropical and subtropical countries, Plants usually have a swollen base to the trunk, a light green crown-shaft, leaflets which are dark green above, silvery grey beneath and oriented in a vertical plane towards the leaf apex. Flowers are creamy white and are followed by clusters of bright red fruit, each about 1.4 cm x 1 cm. The species is endemic to Queensland where it is distributed between Gladstone and the Melville Range near Bathurst Bay on Cape York Peninsula. It commonly grows in lowland swamp forest but is also found up to 600 meters altitude in the ranges. An excellent, handsome garden palm which looks especially decorative when in fruits. Plants are often sold for indoor decoration but are generally unsuitable for this purpose, having high light requirements and disliking the often dry atmosphere inside offices and dwelling. They do make a very attractive tub plant and are suitable for verandas or patios. The variety Beatrice, which has a prominently stepped trunk, is no longer regarded as being botanically distinct but is still commonly propagated and sold in the nursery trade. read more