Spindle Palm Tree, scientific name Hyophorbe verschaffeltii or Hyophorbe verschafeltii, is an elegant-looking palm that is perfect for a small landscape. It is well-known for its unique spindle-shaped trunk and beautiful v-shaped feathery leaves. The Spindle Palm has a lot of similar characteristics with the Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis).  The Spindle Palm tree is also perfect for indoors. This palm tree will make a great addition to any home office or landscape.

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Spindle Palm Tree Info

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Scientific name: Hyophorbe verschaffeltii or Hyophorbe verschafeltii

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Common names: It is also known as Palmiste Marron Palm.

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Family: Arecaceae

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Origin: It is native to the exotic Mascarene Islands off the coast of Australia.

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Appearance: The Spindle Palm Tree has a unique shape trunk, that is swollen in the center forming a spindle shape, hence the name Spindle Palm. The trunk is gray, smooth, prominently ringed with the scars of shed fronds, about 1.5 ft in diameter.

The Spindle Palm’s crown consists of another swollen area in the base of its crown shaft. The crownshaft is bright green, and waxy, topped with a crown of 6-11 arching fronds that turn outward and down at the end, forming a ‘V’ shape. Leaves are pinnate, or feather-like, about 9-10ft long, with 100-150 leaflets that are bright green on the top and gray on the bottom.

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Flowers/Fruits: The Spindle Palm produces fragrant creamy flowers that are supported by 2-3ft long inflorescence that emerge at the point where the crownshaft meets the trunk. The Spindle Palm Tree is monoecious, male and female flowers are born on the same plant. Flowers are followed by orange oval fruit, around 1 inch long.

 

Growth Rate: Slow. Hyophorbe verschaffeltii is a slow-growing palm that can get up to 10 – 20 ft tall and up to 5 – 10 ft wide.

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Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both.

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Cold Tolerance: It can tolerate cold down to 30F for a short period of time when mature enough. It is great for growing in USDA Zones 10a (30 to 35 F) to 11 (above 40 F).

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Light Req: It prefers full sun but can also grow in a light shade.

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Water Req: Like most palms, it grows best in moist well-drained soil.

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Maintenance: Easy. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has a continuous release formula twice a year during the growing season.

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Propagation: Propagated by seeds that take around 4-6 months to germinate.

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Top 10 Benefits Of The Spindle Palm Tree

 

1. Air Purification: The Spindle palm is known to help in purifying the air by removing toxins.

2. Aesthetic Appeal: Its unique spindle-shaped trunk and feathery leaves add visual interest and tropical flair to landscapes.

3. Drought Tolerance: Spindle palms are quite resistant to drought once established, making them suitable for regions with low rainfall.

4. Low Maintenance: They require minimal care and are relatively pest-free, making them a great choice for busy homeowners.

5. Fast Growth: Spindle palms are fast growers, quickly adding height and lush greenery to your landscape.

6. Wind Resistance: Their strong trunks and flexible leaves make them highly wind-resistant.

7. Shade Provision: Mature Spindle palms provide a good amount of shade, which can decrease the temperature of their surrounding environment.

8. Soil Improvement: Like other palms, they can improve soil structure because their roots create spaces that allow water and air to penetrate.

9. Wildlife Attraction: The tree’s fruit attracts various types of wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.

10. Carbon Sequestration: As with other trees, Spindle palms absorb CO2, contributing to the fight against global warming.