Latania lontaroides

Common names

Red Latan Palm.

Curiosities

Origin

The Mascarene Island of Reunion.

Habitat

Cliffs and coastal ravines.

Morphology

A slender, grey, single trunk. Fan-shaped leaves, costapalmate, rigid, and with a purple red colour. Interfoliar inflorescence. Fruits are big, plum-shaped, dark brown when ripe.

Climate

Tropical, subtropical, temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2.2ºC (28ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Fresh seeds germinate easily, but may need several weeks.

Growing

Requires a sunny, moist, but well drained position.