Palms For California

Pronunciation: rav-uh-KNEE-uh hill-duh-BRAND-tee-eye

Common Name: Dwarf Majesty Palm

Ravenea hildebrandtii is a dwarfish species from Madagascar that is very popular among palm enthusiasts throughout California, and multiple trunking, flowering individuals are doing well here.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 18-22 feather leaves Height: 8' Trunk: single; 3" thick; clean; closely ringed; grey-brown Crownshaft: none Spread: 6' Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; bright green; 3' long; dense canopy of upright to laterally oriented leaves Petiole/Leaf bases: 4"-6"; unarmed; un-split Reproduction: dioecious Inflorescence: upright; from within crown; 18"; closely spaced branches; white flowers Fruit: 1/2"; elipsoid; yellow when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow to slow with age Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: filtered light to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare but often available at palm specialty nurseries