Description
Origin
The Hyophorbe verschaffeltii, better known as the Spindle Palm, originates from Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean. This type of palm belongs to the Arecaceae family and was named in honor of a Belgian horticulturist, Ambroise Verschaffelt. The Spindle Palm is listed on the IUCN Red List as a critically endangered species due to the loss of its natural habitat.
Characteristics
The Hyophorbe verschaffeltii is a graceful, solitary palm with a continuous gray-green trunk that is funnel-shaped, being thicker in the middle than at the top and bottom. It has oblong, pinnate leaves that can reach almost two meters in length and are bright green in color. Small white flowers appear beneath the crown and develop into orange-red fruits.
Care
The Spindle Palm prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It has moderate tolerance to salt and drought, but protection against frost is highly recommended as the Spindle Palm is not cold-hardy. Despite its ability to adapt to different soil types, a rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil will optimize the palm’s growth and health. It is recommended to water regularly and fertilize in spring and summer to promote growth.
