Cuban Royal Palm

The Essence

"The royal palm (Roystonea regia), also known as the Cuban royal palm or Florida royal palm, is a large, stately solitary palm prized across the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental and avenue tree. Its appeal comes from a smooth grey trunk, tapered at both ends and broadest toward the lower middle, topped by a green crownshaft and a crown of around 15 spreading leaves up to about 4 m (13 ft) long. Mature plants typically reach 20-30 m (66-98 ft), with exceptional individuals recorded to 34.5 m (113 ft). Small white to cream flowers with pinkish anthers give way to spheroid fruit that ripen from green through red to a dark purplish-black. Native to southern Florida, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, it is the national tree of Cuba and carries religious significance there. It is cold hardy to about 28 degrees F (USDA Zone 10A), so it suits frost-free climates. Beyond its beauty, it is adaptable to both wet and dry sites once established, making it a forgiving choice for warm-climate gardeners."

It is the national tree of Cuba and holds religious significance in both Santeria (where it is associated with the orisha Shango) and Christianity (through its role in Palm Sunday observances).