Dictyosperma album

Hurricane Palm



Natural Habitat:  Naturally found along the costal rainforest on the Mascarene Islands.  Is highly endangered in its natural habitat due to the over harvesting for its Palm Heart.



Description:  A medium sized solitary palm that can reach height over 30 feet tall.  In cultivation it usually grows to around 20 feet.  The trunk is a light brown or gray with a tight set of leaf scares.  The trunk leads up to a highly variable crownshaft, which can range in color from a whitish-green to shades of white to yellow-orange.  At one time the variations in crownshaft color had these palms labeled as different species, but are now just know as different varieties of D. album.  The leaves are light or dark green and hang in a pinnate pattern along the rachis (branch). The leaves emerge from the crown as a large spike, and begin to open over time, eventually hanging with a slight arch.

As seedlings the young tress have a red/purple color to them that slowly fades as the palm reaches a 3-5 gallon size.  Please see the picture gallery to see this great coloration.



Environment:  The D. album enjoys a sunny area where it will get watered often.  It is salt and wind tolerant due to its natural costal habitat, making it a great palm for those who live in costal area.  It can grow in less then great soil conditions, but prefers a well-drained moist soil.  It is somewhat cold hardy and can take temps down into the low 30s with no to minimal damage.  We have one gallons growing outside here in Orlando, FL  Zones 9-11.n for half the day, so it will not dry out.  Does well against fences or walls, where it can be protected from

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