January-2015-1

Cuban Royal Palms
(Roystonea regia)
pictured left are the
goliaths under the
crownshaft palms and
these eventually get
huge. With straight,
pillar like trunks and
a long crownshaft,
adult specimens are
really imposing. This
species occur naturally
on Cuba and the
southernmost point
of Florida (Florida
Keys). Because of
its eventual size it is
only suitable to larger
gardens (500 m2 or
more.). Also, when you consider planting this
species, look for more sizeable specimens,
as they tend to succumb to cooler weather in
winter when planted too small. Once they attain
a more mature size they can withstand short
freezes to -5 degrees.
Raphostylis
sapida
interesting
palm, if
only for this
feature. This
species occur
naturally in
New Zealand
in coastal
areas. Here
on the Costa Blanca they should be planted in
shade or spots receiving only morning sun or
they will scorch in the summer heat.
Flamethrower palm (Chambeyronia
macrocarpa) pictured below is another
interesting palm with a highly unusual feature
- new leaves emerge blood red! This palm
from New Caledonia (in the Pacific Ocean)
can withstand relatively cool winters, although
no frost, so grow them in sheltered spots that
receive no sun or morning sun at most, ideally
below the canopy of big trees. Give enough
water, especially during the summer.
Dypsis is a genus of palms, with most species
growing on Madagascar. Most Dypsis species
are crownshafted palms and a couple of them
can be grown here with success.
Dypsis onilahensis, Dypsis baronii (sugarcane
palm), Dypsis lutescens and D. leptocheilos
(Teddy bear palm) can all withstand full sun
without problem (except the D. lutescens), but
keep plants well watered during the summer!
The Nikau palm (Raphostylis sapida) is another
crownshafted palm. The Nikau crownshaft takes
on an unusual bulb shape and is definitely an
For all your gardening needs contact
Roald Goorman.
See his advert on page 8.
Dypsis onilahensis Dypsis baronii Dypsis lutescens Dypsis leptocheilos
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