Description
New Zealand’s native palm, found throughout the North Island and down as far as Akaroa and Greymouth in the South Island. Grows to 8 m tall; leaves are about 3 m across. Lilac/cream flower clusters in summer. Very difficult to transplant once large – get a well-bagged specimen and plant in good, free-draining soil with a good mulch around it. Slow growers – protect from hard frosts when small. Not to be confused with the Norfolk Island Palm (Rhopalostylis baueri) of similar appearance. Part of Rhopalostylis family.
