Rhopalostylis sapida
nikau palm
R. sapida is a slow-growing feather palm 6-10m high, with a trunk covered in grey-green leaf scars and topped by a smooth, bulging, glossy green crownshaft 60cm long and a crown of feathery leaves which are 1.2-1.8m long and grow upright forming a shuttlecock shape; lilac-cream flowers are followed by oblong fruits 1cm long, which take almost a year to become deep red
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | Green | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Cream Purple | Green | Green Red |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Green | Green | |
| Winter | Green Grey Silver | Green | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N & C New Zealand, Chatham Is.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outside in mild, humid, frost-free gardens in moist soil in partial shade, with shelter from wind and direct sunlight - for more advice, see palm cultivation outdoors; elsewhere grow in a cool glasshouse in bright but indirect light with adequate ventilation in a peat-free potting medium formulated for indoor plants - for more advice, see palm cultivation indoors
Propagation
Propagate by seed, as fresh as possible, which will usually germinate within two or three months
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealy bugs and sometimes glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.