The Princess Palm

Botanical Name : Dictyosperma album

This most elegant species is native to the Mascarene Islands.  It is also known as the Hurricane Palm due do its ability to withstand strong hurricane force winds.

The graceful pinnate fronds which can twist and arch due to its flexible midrib gives the leaves its curved appearance. The perfect and evenly spaced leaflets are a wonder to observe.

front entrance of  Muzium Negara (National Museum)

The solitary trunk is dark grey and ringed.  These specimens are about 20ft and had inflorescences which hung from beneath the light green crown shafts.  Pity a bit too tall to capture its blooms.

To me, they appear to be one of the most beautiful of tropical palms, aptly named, and exquisitely ornamental but somehow wonder why it's any less popular as a landscape plant when compared to the huge cement-like pillar trunks of the majestic palms.

It is thought to be less drought tolerant but in the typical Malaysian context we have the perfect recipe mix for its royal health, lots of rainfall, high humidity and bright sunshine.