Acanthophoenix crinita


An unusual forest palm from high altitude (to 2000m/6500ft) on Réunion island (Mascarene Islands), reduced to danger level by the uncontrolled collection of its edible 'cabbage' in the past. Slow growing to begin with, it speeds up as it gets bigger, and produces a beautiful, if somewhat spiny palm with a slender, ringed trunk, elegantly arching feather leaves and a prickly crownshaft in a number of years. This palm is suitable for warm temperate and cool tropical climates and will do best in sun or partial shade.