Hydriastele pinangoides

Description

Hydriastele pinangoides is a species of palm endemic to New Guinea, Australia, and is considered endangered from habitat loss. It inhabits low altitude humid tropical forests, between 0 and 600 meters. It is a small cluster palm, with large, triangular, ruffled leaves, the new ones being a very attractive red colour. This evergreen palm develops a height of between 3 and 6 meters. It thrives in shaded environments and warm weather. This small, clumping palm has wedge-shaped leaflets of varying widths, bright red fruit produced in large numbers, and pink to reddish new leaves, giving it an unusual and attractive appearance. It prefers a shady location in the tropical garden or can certainly be a splendid greenhouse plant.