Family: Arecaceae
Common Name: Nikau Palm

The three species of medium-sized feather palms in this genus grow up to about 10 m (33 ft) tall, with closely ringed trunks topped by a crownshaft from which the leaves arise. These have very short stalks, thick midribs, and dense, erect, green leaflets. The flowers are borne in short, stiff inflorescences, the many branches turning an interesting mauve colour at flowering time. Red, berry-like fruits follow the flowers.

Species

R. baueri, from Norfolk Island, is the larger of the two species in cultivation and is still fairly common in the remnant vegetation of the island. It has a trunk about 20 cm (8 in) in diameter and slightly arching leaves to about 3 m (10 ft) long. The inflorescence can be up to 80 cm (32 in) long and pendulous when weighed down with fruit. Young plants often have reddish tones in their foliage.

R. sapida, Nikau palm, from New Zealand, is the most southerly wild palm. The stiff, straight leaves emerging from the crownshaft are responsible for its common name, 'feather duster palm'. The trunk grows to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, the leaves to about 2 m (6 ft) long, and the cream to mauve inflorescences to 40 cm (16 in). The leaves were used by Maoris for building their huts. This species is probably more cold-tolerant than R. baueri.

Cultivation

These palms will grow outdoors in the warmest parts of zone 9 or 10, but in other climates are best grown in pots of soil-based potting compost in an intermediate green-house or conservatory. They are slow growing and outdoors need sheltered, frost-free conditions with well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagate in spring from fresh seed, germinated in warmth.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9 or 10.