| This genus of
solitary-trunked fan palms contain the only palm species
endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Aside from Polynesian
islands like Fiji, most of these palms occur throughout
the Hawaiian Islands in different microclimates, which
have influenced their variable characteristics. Many of
these palms come from rainy areas at mid elevations, but
some have evolved in dry, low, coastal areas of the
islands. These beautiful palms are prized for their
arching, stiff, and unarmed palmate leaves. Many of
these palms have become endangered or extinct in their
natural areas and it is difficult to know how many
species actually exist at present. All the Hawaiian
species are known as Loulu Palms. Recently, Don Hodel
has completed a monographic study of the genus. Our
names and descriptions of the Hawaiian species reflect
the changes that have come about as the result of this
up-to-date taxonomic treatment of Pritchardia. |
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1. P. beccariana (Loulu Palm)
Height: 40 feet
Size of crown: 12-15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm is endemic
to the moist forests of the eastern parts of the island of Hawaii. The broader leaves and circular shape of the crown can make
P. beccariana distinctive from the other species. It can grow up to 3000 feet elevation under conditions of high
humidity and good drainage. It grows best in humid areas with some protection from wind and direct sun in hotter areas. Although
somewhat slow growing, this palm can make a nice canopy. |
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2. P. glabrata (Loulu Palm)
Height: 10-15 feet
Size of Crown: 10-12 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: This Pritchardia grows naturally in the Io Valley on Maui. Slow to start, it
would be a perfect residential palm where height is an issue, as the palm stays short but still maintains a very nice crown of
dark green circular leaves. It would not enjoy full low elevation sun, but would look great at 1,000’ or more. |
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3. P. hillebrandii (Loulu Palm)
Height: 20 feet
Size of Crown: 4-7 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Native to Molokai,
P. hillebrandii is suitable for lower coastal areas. Its faintly bluish-green costapalmate leaves are a beautiful
characteristic of this palm, as well as the almost wooly petioles. There is one form of this palm with a small growth habits and
blue coloration called Dwarf Blue. This is a smaller fan palm that grows well in full sun with good drainage. |
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4. P.
martii
Height: to 30 feet
Size of Crown: 8 to 10 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: Growing
wild in the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, this species is
highly variable in nature. It has been shown by Hodel
that P. gaudichaudii is synonymous with
P. martii. This is a medium sized palm with
light brown lepidia. The attractive underside of the
leaves and relatively small size make this a great
choice for residential planting. |
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5. P. maideniana (was affinis) (Loulu
Palm)
Height: 30-35 feet
Size of Crown: 4 to 8 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm, endemic to
the island of Hawaii, occurs mostly on the west side of the island. Groups of P. affinis could be seen in the
past, growing naturally at mid elevations to lower elevations in wet forests or protected coastal areas from Kailua to Kohala.
This palm can be grown in full sun to partial shade with adequate drainage and moisture. It is a good choice for coastal areas.
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6. P.
napaliensis
Height: to 30 feet tall
Size of Crown: 10 feet |
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Cultural requirements and
other comments: A
very rare palm from Kauai. Little is known about this
palm in cultivation. We are growing a few of these
collected from a cultivated source. The lower sides of
the leaves are quite attractive. When enough seed is
available from cultivated sources, this will be an
attractive palm for our gardens. |
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7. P. pacifica (Fiji Fan Palm)
Height: 30-35 feet
Size of Crown: 10-12 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments:
This palm from Fiji
and Tonga is commonly known as Fiji Fan Palm. It is a common and hardy palm used extensively in landscaping. These palms grow
best in full sun with adequate moisture. They can tolerate some drought and salt spray, but grow best with protection in coastal
areas. |
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8. P.
remota
Height: to 30 feet tall
Size of Crown: 10-12 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
Another medium sized Pritchardia. The
leaves are thick with drooping tips. A fairly large
planting of these palms can be seen at the Koko Head
Botanical Garden on Oahu. |
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9. P. schattaueri (Loulu Palm)
Height: 90-130 feet
Size of Crown: 12-15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm from
southern Kona, discovered in 1960 by George Schattauer, is one of the tallest palms of this genus. It grows best with some shade
at immature stages and will eventually tolerate full sun. A distinctive feature of P. schattaueri is the drooping
tips of the leaves at maturity. Even though the remnant population grows at a higher elevation where it is cool and cloudy, it
has proven to perform well in hot and dry lower elevations. |
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10. P. thurstonii (Fiji Fan palm)
Height: 30feet
Size of Crown: 12-15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm, by some
considered the “true” Fiji Fan Palm, is very similar to P. pacifica and when young can be almost
indistinguishable. Later, one can identify P. thurstonii by observing the inflorescences, which droop out from the
crown and are held below the leaves. The crown also has a slight flatter appearance than P. pacifica.. The two
palms share the same cultural requirements. |
