Family: Arecaceae
Common Name: Royal Palm

Comprising about 12 species, these tall, striking, feather palms grow naturally only in the Caribbean region, from southern Florida through to parts of South America. They have massive, smooth, whitish brown, erect trunks and may grow up to 40 m (130 ft) when mature. The trunks are topped by very long, smooth, green crownshafts from which emerge huge fronds up to 7 m (23 ft) in length and 2 m (6 ft) wide. The crowded leaflets are a deep, rich green. The upward-pointing, white inflorescences are followed by small, brown or purple, berry-like fruits. In climates that are prone to frost, grow these palms as young plants in a warm conservatory or greenhouse.

Species

R. regia, Cuban royal palm, reaches 30 m (10) ft) when fully grown, though is more usually seen around 20 m (65 ft). Unusually for a palm and distinctive of the species, the trunk is straight but swollen in the middle, tapering to the crownshaft, and often narrower near the bottom. The fronds grow to at least 4 m (13 ft).

R. regia is the only species commonly in cultivation.

Cultivation

Grow in pots of soil-based potting compost, under glass. Ensure maximum light, but shade plants from direct, strong sun. Outdoors grow in full sun with moist, rich, well-drained soil. Propagate from seed sown in spring and germinated at 26°C (79°F).

Climate

Zone 10 to tropical.