Rhapidophyllum Hystrix (Needle Palm)

Plant Description

This is a slow growing palm but patience is rewarded by this most unusual palm producing a neat shape of glossy deep green fan shaped leaves.

 It should be considered to be a bushy shrub which rarely exceeds 1.5m height and in some ways is similar to Chamaerops humilis in that it is a multi stemmed palm, but unlike Chamaerops, it does not have thorns along its leaf stems.

Mass plantings of this palm can form an impenetrable dense security barrier which makes a wonderful backdrop for flowering plants. Hardy and happy in a wide range of conditions this is a very low maintenance bushy palm which will make a very unusual feature.

Suitability
Rhapidophyllum Hystrix is a fascinating 'collectors palm'. It is considered to be one of the world’s hardiest palms. Mature plants competing with the Trachycarpus genus for the title of 'hardiest palm'. It is very easy to grow being reasonably tolerant of drought and actually liking wet ground conditions.t is especially slow growing when young eventually attaining a very thick trunk.

Origin
Its native habitat is the South Eastern USA growing on shady wooded slopes.