Dypsis lutescens

Common names

Golden Cane Palm, Butterfly Palm, Madagascar Palm.

Curiosities

Named lutescens for the golden colour of trunk and fruits.

Origin

Madagascar.

Habitat

Along water streams, in coastal forests and saline dunes.

Morphology.

A clumping palm, forming groups. The yellow colour is brighter if the palm grows in a sunny and warm position.

Climate

Tropical, can adapt to temperate climate with moderate frosts. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –8.3ºC (17ºF, USDA Zone 8b), although threshold is usually higher.

Germination

Seeds germinate quickly but cotyledon (the first leaf) takes 4-5 months to appear.

Growing

Very common as indoor palm, although needs plenty of light. Small palms are sold in groups; they plant several seeds in a pot so that the plant quickly becomes commercial. Protect young plants from frost.