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Nikau Palm, Shaving Brush Palm

Scientific Name: Rhopalostylis sapida H.Wendl. & Drude
Family: Arecaceae

Rhopalostylis sapida in Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 23-25
USDA: 10-11

Frost Tolerance: 26°F (-3°C)

Sun Exposure: Shade

Origin: New Zealand

Growth Habits: Solitary, up to 25 feet (7.5 m); trunk 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in diameter, with swollen round crownshaft ; pinnate leaves, 4 to 10 feet long (1.2-3 m), with pointed leaflets, very noticeable veins

Watering Needs: Regular water in a humid atmosphere

Propagation: Slow growing seedling after 2 to 3 months germination

Rhopalostylis are native to the islands of New Zealand, Norfolk, Chatham, and Raoul. They grow in dense lowland forest where rain fall is plenty.

Blooming Habits:
Flower stalk coming from below the crownshaft

Fruiting Habits:
Round fruit, red when ripe, 0.75 inch in diameter (2 cm). Round seed, 0.5 inch in diameter (1.2 cm), scarred on one side.

List of All the Plants | More in the Arecaceae family

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