Spindle palm
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm. The trunk is narrow at both ends and has a bulge in the middle. The trunk is usually grey. It has distinct rings. There is a bright green crown-shaft. The crown-shaft can be expanded near its base. The crown has 6-8 fronds. The fronds are arching and feathery. They are 1-1.5 m long. The leaflets are tapering. They are bright green above and greyish underneath. They are arranged along the leaf stalk in different planes. The flowering stalks are in horn like spathes. These occur several at a time near the base of the crown-shaft. The flowers are bright orange. They have a strong scent. The fruit are oval and 2-3 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide. They are bright orange to red. They hang in large clusters.

There are 5 Hyophorbe species. It is an endangered species and should not be killed.

Where it is found

It grows on calcareous soils at low altitudes. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It suits seasonally moist and dry climates. It suits plant hardiness zones 10-11. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Hawaii, Mascarene Islands (country/location of origin), Pacific, Rodrigues, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Cabbage, palm heart

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinate in about 6 months.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mascarena verschaffeltii (H. Wendland) L.H. Bailey;