Licuala grandis

Common names

Ruffled Fan Leaf Palm, Vanuatau Fan palm, Palas Payung.

Curiosities

Leaves are used for roof thatching, and to make ropes and carpets. Trunks are used to make poles or walking sticks.

Origin

Vanuatu Islands and Solomon Islands.

Habitat

Undergrowth of rainforests.

Morphology

A grey, slender, single trunk. Leaves are unmistakable, rounded, undivided and regularly folded. Interfoliar inflorescence. Fruit bright red.

Climate

Tropical. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –1.5ºC (29.3ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Seeds germinate easily when fresh, otherwise they may take 4-5 months.

Growing

Cultivated as indoor ornamental. A very nice palm, tropical in its requirements.