Roystonea regia

Common names

Royal Palm, Cuban Royal Palm.

Curiosities

The leaves and the wood are used to build houses, and the fruits as pig food. The leaves are highly waterproof and so used to protect tobacco bales from rain. In Fort Mayers, Florida, there’s a long line of Royal Palms along a road; it is believed that the first palms were planted by Thomas Alba Edison (he studied tropical plants and was interested in palms. There’s a big Lodoicea maldivica seed in his laboratory).

Origin

Cuba, Honduras.

Habitat

Well-drained soils, above 1000 m of altitude.

Morphology

Can reach 25 m. A solitary palm, although sometimes is planted in groups. Plumose leaves, oblong fruits.

Climate

Tropical. Can adapt to tropical climate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2ºC (28.3ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Easy, takes 4 months at most.

Growing

Grows in a variety of soils. Excellent in avenues, gardens and parks. Prefers a sunny position and a rich soil. Doesn’t mind wet feet.