Rhapidophyllum hystrix
needle palm
Flower Colors
Description
A bushy, slow-growing palm, with several stems coming from the single stem, to a height of usually no more than 1.5m with glossy, fan-shaped leaves that are deep green and silvery grey beneath. The stems are very spiny, with spines up to 25cm in length. The sporadically produced flowers are purplish-brown and hidden by spines, followed by roundish, red to brown seeds on hermaphrodite and female plants
Mature Height
1.5m
Mature Spread
1.5m
Plant Characteristics
Foliage
Evergreen
Growth Habit
SpreadingClumping
Growth Speed
Moderate · 0.2 m/yr
Soil Texture
SandLoamChalk
Soil pH
NeutralAlkalineAcid
Soil Moisture
Moist but well-drainedWell-drainedPoorly-drained
Hardiness (RHS)
H8
Hardiness (USDA)
Zones 7-11
Flowering Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Key Features
Drought resistantGenerally pest-freeArchitecturalCity and courtyard gardensGravel gardenPatio and container plantsSub-tropicalCottage and informal gardenLow MaintenanceFlower borders and beds