Botanical name:

Rhopalostylis sapida

Common name(s):

Nikau Palm

About:

The Nikau palm is the only native palm tree found in New Zealand, which makes it one of the most easily recognised and beloved plants in the region. Remarkably, it is also the southernmost palm in the entire world. Although it is a slow-growing species, the Nikau palm can make a fantastic specimen when placed in a protected position that allows it to thrive. By nature, it is a forest dweller and prefers a shady, sheltered site to help prevent damage to its beautiful fronds. When grown in such a shady environment, the fronds tend to grow in a more upright position and exhibit a light green colour. Conversely, if planted in windy areas, the tips of the fronds can suffer from burning, which can affect their overall appearance. Therefore, it is ideal to plant Nikau palms in a protected and sheltered site to help maintain lush, dark green fronds that are truly stunning.

Natural habitat:

Primarily a species of coastal to lowland forest in the warmer parts of New Zealand.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Salt, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island & South Island from Marlborough Sounds and Nelson south to Okarito in the west and Banks Peninsula in the east. Also on Chatham and Pitt Islands. However Chatham Islands plants have a distinct juvenile form, larger fruits, and thicker indumentum on the fronds.

Height: 15m

Flowering: 

November – April with a pinkish flowers, in multiple spikes at the top of trunk.

Fruiting:

February – November with a red fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Container friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Fruit should be soaked for a few days in water and then lightly scrubbed to clear the flesh, then place in sealed plastic bags in half shade until seed begins to germinate. Plant germinating seed in deep, narrow pots. Avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible. An excellent pot plant, and provided the tap root is left intact it can be easily transplanted. Quite hardy. Very variable in the wild, so could benefit from critical horticultural selection.