MAJESTY PALM
Ravenea rivularis
FAMILY Arecaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
MAJESTIC PALM
See: all Ravenea
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by M. Ritter, J. Riemer, C. Stubler, J. Reimer
GENERAL INFO
This Madagascar native palm is a popular houseplant grown for its bright green, arching fronds. Different plants are either male or female (dioecious) and the frond bases are densely wooly. Ravenea rivularis has a HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of -3 (Low Risk) and the Plant Pono link is: https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/ravenea-rivularis/.
Native range: MadagascarEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: This species of palm is native to central Madagascar, where its population is considered vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat loss. The palm heart of R. rivularis is eaten by local people, and the fronds are woven into hats, mats, and baskets. It is widely grown as an indoor and outdoor ornamental throughout the world. (Latif, 2020) Citations Page
Native range: MadagascarEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: This species of palm is native to central Madagascar, where its population is considered vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat loss. The palm heart of R. rivularis is eaten by local people, and the fronds are woven into hats, mats, and baskets. It is widely grown as an indoor and outdoor ornamental throughout the world. (Latif, 2020) Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: PalmFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 50 feetCanopy Width: 10-15 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, Pinnately CompoundLeaf color: GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: Fall, Winter, Spring or SummerFruit: Very Small to Small Red BerryFruiting time: Fall, Winter, Spring or SummerBark Color: Gray, Rough, SmoothLitter Type: Leaves
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: H1, H2Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to NeutralSalt Tolerance: Low
CONSIDERATIONS
Disease and Pest susceptibility: Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)Utility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Use BTF, $/BTF, Approx. cross sectional area not applicable
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Ravenea rivularis Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 22, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1687 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1687 >
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