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

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