see also Florida Royal Palm

The tall, gorgeous and aristocratic palm tree symbolizes the tropics.  It is grown in many countries. The Royal palm is a very popular street and beach tree. Probably it is the most recognizable palm tree in the world.

The Royal Palm is one of the most commonly seen Florida palm trees.

Additional Information:

Scientific name: Roystonea Elata

Family: Arecaceae

Genus: Roystoneae

Other names: Florida Royal palm, Cuban Royal palm.

Origin: It is native to Florida and the Caribbean Islands.

Growth rate: Fast

Trunk: The tall, smooth, naked, ringed, cement grey, wider at the base and middle area trunk may reach 120 feet in height but is usually seen no taller than 65 feet. Without leaves the trunk looks artificial.

Leaves: The pinnate, bright green leaves can reach 12-19 feet in length. They can extend 16 feet down the trunk. The Royal palm is vulnerable to strong winds and hurricanes. It can easily lose their leaves.

Indoor/Outdoor Use: Outdoor

Maintenance: Low

Light exposure: It grows best in direct sunlight.

Water requirements: The Roystonea Elata likes water. The magnificent Royal palms are originated from Florida where there are many swamps. They can tolerate floods. Also the Royal palm is salt tolerant tree and can grow on the beach.

Cold tolerance: It is very sensitive to cold. Roystonea Elata can’t grow anywhere in the US but Florida, California and Texas.

Drought tolerance: Moderate

Flowers: The Royal palm produces small creamy-white  flowers.  The flower stalk comes from below the crownshaft. The flowers are fragrant, even from 100 feet away.

Fruits: The fruits are oblong  and spherical, are about 0.5 inch in diameter. They become purple when ripe.

Propagation: It is propagated easily and rapidly with seeds.

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