Description

Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii (Spindle Palm) name derives from the shape of its trunk, narrower at top and bottom, with a characteristic bulge in the middle with a green to grayish crown shaft. The trunk is about 1.5 feet in diameter and under ideal conditions, when mature, 20 feet tall. The crown consists of 6 to11 arching pinnate leaves 9-10 feet long with numerous leaflets, leaves are bright green above and gray below. Inflorescences emerge as horn-like spikes from beneath the crown with orange becoming cream-colored fragrant flowers of both sexes.

Furthermore, the fruits are oval-shape, orange and about 1 inch long, with a seed used for propagation. Seeds germinate in 3 to 6 months. Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii (Spindle Palm) is easy to grow, preferring moist areas and needing irrigation during dry spells. Perfect for sunny spots and their high salt tolerance make it a great sea-side addition.  And, even though it is slightly susceptible to lethal yellow disease, but is somewhat cold tolerant.

The spindle palm is a unique decoration  in a garden, as it makes an impressive a single specimen, perfect for property entries, suitable for container growth; and a perfect addition to a tropical garden. Like the related bottle palm, the spindle palm is endangered in the wild, although it is cultivated widely.