Veitchia joannis

Common names

Joannis Palm.

Curiosities

Origin

Fiji Islands.

Habitat

Grows in rainforests and also in dry areas.

Morphology

An elegant, single-trunked palm up to 35 m, with a bright green, well-developed crownshaft. Pinnate leaves with obliquely premorse apex. Outstanding big clusters of red fruits.

Climate

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

Germination

Seeds germinate in around 2 months.

Growing

Resistant to cool weather but not to real cold. Needs shade as a youngster. Adapts to many different soils, but prefers a rich, well-drained soil.