Acanthophoenix rubra

Locality:

Reunion and Mauritius Islands (Islands off the East Coast of South Africa). 

Cold Hardiness: 

Approximately 32, F.

Trunk type:

When young: single, spiny crown shaft and trunk; sheds spines on trunk as it matures. This palm has bright red colored petioles (leafstalks), red color (hence the red palm). Trunk fades into a dark brown as it matures. 

Leaf type:

Pinnate (feather shape), spiny leaves, (young plants shed their spines as they mature); glaucous underside to leaflets.

Suckering/Solitary:

Solitary (single trunk).

Maintenance:

Not difficult.

Speed of growth:

Slow to medium.

Height:

In the wild up to 30' feet plus; domestic uncertain.

Soil requirements:

Average moisture, good draining soil.

Sun Requirements:

Coastal, full-sun or part-day sun; inland, limited sun as tolerated.

General Description:

A spiny, single trunk-palm that is exotic and unusual.

Other Notes:

Acanthophoenix rubra:

We've found this species and Acanthophoenix crinita to be very desirable plants.  The A. crinita is much faster growing and has a surprising amount of cold tolerance, possibly up to 27 to 28 degrees F.  For the collector, well worth a try.

Further Data:

See Spiny Palm article for more info on other spiny palm trees.

Palm for sale/Availability:

Click here to view the current price list.