| Dypsis is a large genus of palms, mostly from Madagascar. Many new
species of palms have been discovered in the last two decades in Madagascar—so many in fact, that the distinction between five
genera disappeared, resulting in name changes for over 150 palms. For instance, the commonly grown palm that is called an
“areca” palm (was Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is now a Dypsis lutescens. Some Dypsis palms
are often found in Hawaii landscapes, but there are many new and relatively unknown species that will make excellent landscape
material, enjoying the full Kona sun and are able to withstand strong winds. Easy to grow, Dypsis palms will
provide a rewarding growing experience. |
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1. D. albofarinosa
Height: 20
Size of Crown: 4 to 6 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: This
multi-stemmed species is very similar to D.
onilahensis, except that it has markedly more
chaulky white stems. Thin arching leaflets make this
palm particularly graceful in habit and a wonderful
accent to the shady and filtered light parts of the
garden |
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2. D. baronii
Height: 20-25 feet
Size of Crown: 6 feet and somewhat sparse |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm grows
naturally at higher elevations on steep slopes in Madagascar. It is well-adapted to some Mediterranean climates and grows well
in full sun and partial shade, with regular moisture and good drainage. This is a graceful clumping palm with chalky white rings
of leaf base scars accentuating the trunk. The crownshaft is a beautiful dark yellow color. |
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3. D. cabadae
Height: 30-35 feet
Size of crown: 8-10 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This sparsely clumping
palm is known for its prominent trunks, which are bluish-green with white rings. This palm grows well in full sun to partial
shade with adequate water. It has become a popular landscape palm due to its medium size, beautiful trunks, and adaptability. |
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4. D. decaryi (Triangle Palm)
Height: 25-35 feet
Size of crown: 15 feet wide and tall |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: : This common
landscape palm in Hawaii is endemic to southeastern Madagascar, where it is adapted to living in dry and depleted soils. The
large crown of pinnate leaves grows from the trunk in three areas, which gives the palm a triangle shape. It is a very adaptable
and hardy palm in many landscapes. Make sure to give this palm the growing room it requires so as to enjoy the blue gray leaves.
The Triangle Palm is an excellent choice for areas with lots of wind and looks best when grown in the Kona sun. |
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5. D. decipiens
Height: 30 to 40 feet (but only after a
long time)
Size of crown: 6 feet per stem |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
: Mostly a clustering palm in cultivation and very slow
growing. The swollen and chaulky white trunks are quite
dramatic. The arching leaves are stout with thick
leaflets. A very interesting species for the plant
collector. It is a “tillaring” palm, meaning that the
roots tend to pull the palm downward and therefore needs
depth for planting. Will tolerate a wide range of soils. |
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6. D. lanceolata
Height: 20 feet
Size of crown: 12 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Another new
Dypsis from Madagascar, D. lanceolata is a small palm suited for residential plantings. Mostly a
clustering palm with distinctive ring markings on green trunks this palm also has a lovely silvery green or even white
crownshaft. It grows in full sun and filtered shade and prefers well drained rich soil and constant moisture. This palm is a
beauty! |
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7. D. leptocheilos (Teddy Bear Palm)
Height: up to 40 feet
Size of crown: between 24 feet |
| The Teddy Bear Palm is so named because of the fuzzy and reddish brown
crownshaft—wonderfully furry to pet when the palm is still short enough. Each new leaf emerges in a charmingly graceful manner.
The contrast between the chalky white trunk, red crownshaft and green leaves make this a colorful addition to the garden. It
will not look its best if subjected to continuous strong winds. |
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8. D. lastelliana (Red Neck Palm)
Height: 30 feet in cultivation
Size of crown: 12 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Very similar to
D. leptocheilos but with a thicker trunk, wider leaflets and leaves which are held in a more upright position. The
crownshaft has the same characteristics as the Teddy Bear, but the color is a richer and darker reddish brown. It grows more
slowly and requires better soil than the Teddy Bear Palm. |
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9. D. lutescens (Areca Palm)
Height: up to 35 feet
Size of crown: 15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: The Areca Palm
is the most asked for palm in West Hawaii, usually planted as a screen. It is good to remember that as the palm matures to its
true height, there is less and less foliage below, where the screening is supposed to take place. One practice is to remove tall
canes and try to encourage the lower growth, but this technique takes its toll on the plant and is not a good long-range
solution. (We recommend the planting of Pinanga coronata, which will maintain a screen even at full maturity). Another common
problem with Areca Palms is their propensity for orange-yellow leaves which is due to a magnesium deficiency (Epson Salts
liberally sprinkled at the root zone is one solution to this problem). Al in all, the Areca Palm is tough and will withstand a
wide variety of soils and climates. |
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10. D. madagascariensis
Height: 25 feet
Size of crown: 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: A clustering palm with
white-green trunks and attractive plumose and drooping leaves. It is a medium to tall palm and enjoys an open and sunny
location. The solitary single-stemmed form of this species is called ‘Lucubensis Palm’. Similar to many Madagascar palms, the
leaves arrange themselves in an open and triangular spacing. Always an attractive addition, this palm is highly adaptable to the
Hawaii leeward landscape. |
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11. D. mahajanga
Height: 30 feet
Size of crown: 8 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm has yet to
be described. A medium sized clustering palm, D. mahajanga is similar to D. madagascariensis in
appearance with plumose leaves and an open crown. Not yet available to the Hawaii public, it has all the attributes of a future
landscaping beauty. |
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12. D. onilahensis
Height: 20 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Very similar to D.
baronii but with lighter chalky white stems. Like D. baronii, this makes a beautiful accent plant in the garden. |
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13. D.
sp. "Orange Crush"
Height: 30 to 40 feet
Size of crown: 12 to 15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
A spectacular clumping new species of palm from
Madagascar not yet described or named. The outstanding
feature of this species are the orange crownahafts that
give it its common name Orange Crush. We are growing
this palm but will not have it in production until 2012! |
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14. D. pembana
Height: 40 feet
Size of crown: 10-12 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: Endemic to the Island
of Pemba off the coast of Africa, we are excited to offer this new palm to the landscape industry. Looking at first glance like
the D. cabadae, this palm has larger parts throughout. The trunk is twice as thick and is supported by an enlarged
‘elephant’ foot at the trunk base. The leaflets are broad and dark green, the trunk grey with a whitish cast and white and
attractive leaf base scars. Fast growing, this palm could be considered instead of D. cabadae if given enough room
to grow. |
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15. D.
psammophila
Height: 15 feet
Size of crown: 3 to 4 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
A small clumping palm suited to sandy soils. Grows in
coastal conditions in habitat and should be well suited
for coastal Hawaiian gardens. |
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16. D. saintelucei
Height: to 30 feet (maximum) or smaller
Size of crown: 4-5 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Critically endangered
in its natural habitat in Madagascar, this palm has some striking features and appears to enjoy cultivation. Straight solitary
trunk, topped by a waxy and very white crownshaft and limited height make this a palm worth trying. It has not been available
before now and would make a great experimental planting, guaranteed to be successful!. |
