RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX

Needle palm

Hardy to -20C

Height 1.5m, Spread 2m

The needle palm is unique in many ways. Its shrub-like multi-stem grows exceptionally slowly in clumps and is immensely hardy; in fact possibly the hardiest palm in the world. Its foliage is deeply ridged with tips that look as if they’ve been sheared off but in fact naturally grow blunt ends. In the wild needle palms can be found along streams and wooded, shady banks. It grows in sun, shade and most soils, although happy in drought, and favours moist, well-drained soil, producing small flowers and red stone fruit.