The needle palm, which is native to Southeastern United States, is the sole member of the genus Rhapidophyllum. Needle-like spines are produced at the petiole bases. The scientific or Botanic name for this palm is Rhapidophyllum hystrix, Rhapidophyllum means “needle-leaf”, while hystrix is from the scientific name of a genus of porcupines. It is also sometimes called Porcupine palm.
Facts & Care Sheet
Maximum height: 8 to 10 feet
Maximum width(spread): About 8 to 10 feet.
Native range: Southeastern United States
Scientific name: Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Other common name(s): Porcupine palm
Growth rate: Slow
Propagation: By seeds, division of clumps. Seeds can take about 6 to 12 months to germinate.
Sun: Full sunlight to partial shade.
Water: Requires regular watering. The needle palm has amazing ability to tolerate both droughts and floods.
Soil: Well drained soil
Poisonous: No
Cold tolerance: Very high, can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drought tolerance: High
Fruit: Fruit of the needle palm is a brown drupe that is 2 cm long.
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