The distinctive species can be recognised by the slender, light grey trunk, pale grey crownshaft and an attractive crown of arching fronds with leaflets irregularly arranged to give a whored appearance. The leaflets of young plants are broader than in mature plants and the distinctive, silvery-white undersurace is very noticeable. Clusters of whitish flowers are followed by dull pink to purplish fruit each 3-3.5 cm long. This species is native to wet, coastal rainforests of northeastern Queenland, Australia. It is an excellent palm for group planting and is relatively fast growing in the tropics. Young plants need a sheltered position for te first 3 to 5 years... read more

A palm which is widely distributed in South America where it forms extensive colonies in savanna. Countries where it grows include Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. The total population of wild palms has been estimated at one billion plants. An attractive palm with a slender trunk to about 25 metter tall and a rounded crown of stiff leaves. These have an orbicular blade and the surfaces are desnely covered in wax. The species can be recognised by the smaller bracts on the inflorescence being tubular. read more

It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola(both Haiti and Santo Domingo) where it grows in colonies in open situations, often in dry, rocky areas. Plants have a sparse, open crown and the leaves are deeply divided into rigid segments which are dull green above and silvery beneath. The leaflets have transverse veinlets. The trunks may reach 10 meter tall and have a covering of leaf-sheath fibres which appear as if woven. White flowers are followed by brownish to black seeds about 9 mm across. If somewhat sparse, palm which has proved to be quite adaptable and will grow in temperate as well as tropical regions. Plants need well-drained soil in a sunny position. read more

This is one of the biggest of all the fishtail palms and is a true majestic giant in all respects. Plants may grow to more than 25 meter tall with a trunk 50 cm or more across and have a crown of obliquely arching to horizontal fronds which have stiff pinnae and pendulous leaflets. The crowded leaf-bases usually hide the trunk. Individual fronds may grow to 4 meter long and be nearly 3 meter wide. The grey trunk is stout and bulging in a manner reminiscent of Roystonea Regia. Inflorescences which may measure over 2.5 meter long, carry cream flowers or large, black fruit, each of which contain two seeds. This species, native of Borneo would be an excellent palm for the tropical lowlands... read more

A distinctive palm which can be recognised by its slender, grey trunk and graceful crown of distinctly curved or arching fronds with the leaflets obliquely erect. A fast-growing species with a highly ornamental appearance, aided by large, colourful clusters of bright scarlet fruit. The species has become deservedly popular in northern Australia and is being planted on an increasing scale elsewhere. While this palm can be grown as a specimen, it is also well suited to planting in groups. Plants need well-drained soil and an abundance of water during dry periods, especially when small. Young plants need some protection for the first 2 or 3 years but once established they will tolerate considerable sun. read more

When in fruit, this palm bears prodigious quantities of small (25-35 mm across), round, black fruit which have a freshly, sweet pulp around the seed. This pulp is edible and in some specimens is very acceptable and tasty. Native to Guadalupe Island off the west coast of Mexico where it grows in deep, warm ravines. This palm is now promoted for its large, handsome, fan leaves, its hardiness and it tasty fruit. Mature specimens are very ornamental, with a large crown of heavy, green fronds atop a stout trunk to 10 meter x 40 cm. Plants have proved to be very adaptable in cultivation, succeeding from subtropical to temperate areas and even withstanding frosts. Young plants, which are generally slow growing, tolerate exposure to full sun, but well-drained soils are essential for success. read more

An eye-catching and distinctive palm readily recotgnised by its stout, woody trunk to 5 meter tall and graceful crown of arching, bluish-green pinnate fronds. It is native to South America (Brazil and Uruguay) where it is widespread in the drier regions and is sometimes locally common. The fruits are very decorative, being 2-3cm across, somewhat flattened and yellow or reddish when ripe They are edible with a fruity flavour but rather fibrous consistency. This palm is very hardy and will thrive in temperate and subtropical regions as well as inland districts. It requires a sunny position in well-drained soils and will tolerate well-structured clay or limey soils. Young plants make very decorative and hardy tub specimens. The species can be distinguished from its close relatives by the glaucous, glabrous spathes of the inflorescence, the long spines on the petioles (8-11cm long) and the small flowers (3-8mm long) and fruit (1.5-2.5cm long). Butia Capitata is variable and some plants in cultivation appear quite distinctive. Some of these have been named as varieties but may just repreesent oddities. Butia Capitata strictior appears distinctive because of its stiffly erect fronds which shed completely and eave the trunk clear. read more

A tropical palm the seeds of which form the basis of a huge industry. As a consequence, this palm, which probably originated in either Malaysia or the Philippines, is a familiar sight in tropical regions around the world. It has become naturalised in many countries. It is characteristically a very tall, slender palm with a crown-shaft and a small, crowded crown of semi-erect, silvery pinnate fronds. The fruit, if they are allowed to ripen, are quite large and colourful, varying from orange to scarlet. The species is reputedly cold-sensitive and will only thrive in the warm tropics although healthy plants are known from gardens in subtropical regions. It likes deep, well-drained soils and plenty of water during dry spells. Young plants will tolerate considerable exposure to sunshine and will also grow in the shade. Although very wind-resistant, the crown becomes very tattered following strong blows. Seedlings grow rapidly in good conditions and may flower at six or seven years of age. read more

A very familiar palm, this Australian Livistona occrs naturally close to major centres of population and is now widely planted in many countries around the world. In its native state it grows in forests and swampy situations sometimes as individuals or in small group, often in extensive, dense colonie. Excellent for parks and large gardens — especially in group plantings — as well as for lining driveways and avenues. Grows very well in temperate regions and responds strongly to regular watering and the use of nitrogenous fertilisers. Frosts are generally tolerated with only a minor setback, even by young plants read more

Although commonly called the Fiji Fan Palm, this species probably originated in Tonga and was introduced into Fiji very early on. It is very handsome fan palm which is associated with many islands of the Pacific and is now widely cultivated in tropical and, to a lesser extent, subtropical regions It is an excellent palm for coastal districts and lend itself well to group planting. The leaves on young plants ar especially impressive, the lades being up to 1.8 Meter long and nearly as wide, deeply pleted and with a brown, hairy surface when young Clusters of small, round black fruit are carried within the crown. The plants may grown to about 9 meter tall but are generally rather slow growing even in the tropics. They need very well-drained soil and some protection when small. In Fiji, the leaves of this palm were once made into fans which were for the exclusive use of the chiefs. read more