BOTTLE PALM
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis
FAMILY Arecaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
PALMISTE GARGOULETTE
See: all Hyophorbe
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by M. Ritter, J. Yost, C. Stubler, J. Reimer
GENERAL INFO
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is a critically endangered palm endemic to a small island off the coast of Mauritius. Ironically, this species is highly popular and successful as an ornamental palm and planted extensively across the tropics. Its slow-growth and short stature makes it ideal for small yards and large pots. Its swollen, pale white trunk tapers upward, forming its intriguing bottle-like shape. When grown in drier, hotter locations, the foliage turns a yellowish shade. This species has an HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of -3 (Low Risk).
Native range: MauritiusHorticultural use: Specimen or Street Tree or Buffer StripEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The native Bottle Palm population was reduced to seven individuals in 1996, and thus suffered severe genetic bottlenecking, but has since marginally recovered following the eradication of goats and rabbits. The species represents an interesting case of ex-situ conservation, in which the wild population is severely threatened, but the species maintained through nursery collections, landscape plantings, and botanical gardens. (Asmussen-Lange et al., 2011) Citations Page
Native range: MauritiusHorticultural use: Specimen or Street Tree or Buffer StripEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The native Bottle Palm population was reduced to seven individuals in 1996, and thus suffered severe genetic bottlenecking, but has since marginally recovered following the eradication of goats and rabbits. The species represents an interesting case of ex-situ conservation, in which the wild population is severely threatened, but the species maintained through nursery collections, landscape plantings, and botanical gardens. (Asmussen-Lange et al., 2011) Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: PalmMaximum Tree Height: 20 feetCanopy Width: 10 feetGrowth Rate: ~12 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, Pinnately CompoundLeaf color: Light GreenFall Color: YesFlowers: InconspicuousFruit: Medium Red, Brown, or Black DrupeBark Color: Light Gray or Green, Smooth
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: HighSunset Climate Zone: H1, H2Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Acidic to AlkalineSalt Tolerance: High
CONSIDERATIONS
Potential health issues: PoisonousWildlife interactions: Attracts beesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Use BTF, $/BTF, Approx. cross sectional area not applicable
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Hyophorbe lagenicaulis Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 15, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1669 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1669 >
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