The Caribbean Royal Palm (Roystonea oleracea) is a species of solitary, imposing, and very robust large monocious palm, reaching heights between 98 feet (30 meters) and 131 feet (40 meters). It is native to the Antilles (especially Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Martinique, and Saint Lucia), the Guianas, and the northern part of South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Brazil, where it has been widely spread since the imperial period.
Its natural habitat includes moist tropical forests and riverbanks, growing in deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It can occur at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 1968 feet (600 meters), under high atmospheric humidity and good light exposure.
The genus name ‘Roystonea‘ honors the American general Roy Stone, an engineer in the United States Army who worked in the Caribbean in the 19th century, contributing to the region’s infrastructure. The specific epithet ‘oleracea‘ comes from Latin, meaning “edible” or “related to vegetables,” referring to the culinary use of this species’ palm heart in some traditional cultures.
The leaves are 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters) long, and are pinnate, with arched leaflets inserted on the same plane, thereby differing from the Cuban Royal Palm (Roystonea regia), which has more feathery leaves. They are spirally arranged at the apex of the trunk, forming an imposing and symmetrical crown.
Its stipe (trunk) is light gray in color, smooth, uniformly cylindrical, slightly thicker at the base, and has a diameter between 16 inches (40 centimeters) and 24 inches (60 centimeters). The growth is continuous throughout the year in favorable climatic conditions. The palm heart, located inside the stipe, is edible, but harvesting it results in the plant’s death, as it has only one apical bud.
Its root system is fasciculate, dense, and shallow, with adventitious roots that do not emit aerial roots. Despite being voluminous, the roots usually do not cause damage to pavements when the Caribbean Royal Palm is planted with adequate spacing.
The crown is rounded, with approximately twenty leaves arranged either erect or horizontally, allowing for a distant view of the heart of palm covered by sheaths, another distinguishing feature from the Cuban Royal Palm. In the latter, the older leaves hang over the heart of palm, making it difficult to view.
Roystonea oleracea is a monoecious species, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same plant. Its inflorescences are branched, of the panicle type, and appear below the leaf crown, protected by a woody spathe before opening. They range from 3.3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) in length and contain a large number of small flowers, ranging in color from cream to yellowish-white.
The flowering of the Caribbean Royal Palm occurs mainly between spring and summer months, although there may be variations according to the local climate. The flowers are fragrant and visited by bees, wasps, and other insects, favoring cross-pollination, which predominantly occurs through entomophily.
The fruits are ellipsoid to globular drupes, turning purple to black when ripe, measuring about 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm) in length, and containing a single hard seed. Maturation occurs about 6 to 8 months after flowering. They form in the summer and are attractive to various bats and wild birds, especially psittacids such as parrots, macaws, and parakeets.
A symbol of aristocracy in the history of Brazil, the first palm of this species was planted at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden by Prince Regent Dom João VI in 1809. It is believed the first seedling was brought from the West Indies and planted with great ceremony. This seedling was named “Palma Mater,” serving as the progenitor for other imperial palms cultivated in Brazil throughout the 19th century and was ultimately struck by lightning in 1972.
The species soon became a symbol of nobility and social status, being planted in avenues and gardens of palaces, coffee estates, and aristocratic residences, primarily during the Empire. For this reason, it became known as the “Caribbean Royal Palm,” although this popular name is also used for other species of the Roystonea genus, such as R. regia, originating from Cuba.
For a long time, the Caribbean Royal Palm was planted exclusively on imperial properties. During the imperial period, the distribution of seedlings to common people was only authorized with official permission, which reinforced its status as a “noble” plant.
In addition to its aesthetic significance, there are also records of the use of the Roystonea oleracea palm heart as food, although harvesting it involves the death of the plant, which restricts its commercial use and distinguishes it from species specifically cultivated for palm hearts, such as peach palm (Bactris gasipaes).
The Caribbean Royal Palm is highly valued in landscaping of large areas, thanks to its majestic stature and monumental visual impact, especially when planted in pairs, groups, or rows. With its tall, elegant, and columnar trunk, combined with a symmetrical canopy and intense green crown, this palm provides an imposing and sophisticated look to any landscape design. It is particularly recommended for:
- Avenues and access roads, where it can be used in symmetrical rows to create a striking visual corridor.
- Squares, public gardens, and entrances to institutional buildings, where it serves as a focal point or prominent vertical element.
- Historical gardens and restorations of old farms, where it contributes to the classic period setting.
Despite its lush appearance, the Caribbean Royal Palm requires space to fully develop. It is not recommended for small gardens or areas with vertical constraints. Additionally, planted alone or in smaller gardens, it can easily appear disproportionate.
Another point in favor of its use is the low maintenance requirement: after planting and the initial growth phase, it requires little care. It is tolerant to urban pollution, which also makes it suitable for landscaping in large avenues. Its symbolic value, associated with majesty and elegance, makes the Caribbean Royal Palm one of the most iconic and sought-after species in institutional, historic, and ceremonial landscaping.
The Caribbean Royal Palm is a tropical plant, which fully develops in warm and humid regions. However, it can also be cultivated in subtropical climates, in urban centers and valleys, less subjected to frost and intense cold. It requires high luminosity, preferring full sun throughout the day. Although it tolerates some shade in its young phase, direct sunlight promotes vigorous and uniform growth.
Ideal cultivation occurs at average temperatures above 68°F (20°C), with growth hindered in areas with harsh winters. The minimum temperature it tolerates is around 41°F (5°C), but, under frost conditions, the leaves can be damaged, especially in young plants.
It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, although it also thrives in clay or sandy soils, provided they are not compacted or prone to waterlogging. It adapts well to terrains with a deep water table.
Despite its popularity, it is not recommended for pot cultivation due to its monumental size and voluminous root system. In urban areas, it is recommended to plant in locations with ample space for the full development of the plant.
It responds well to fertilization, growing swiftly. Fertilize with fertilizers suitable for palm trees during the growth period. It appreciates the heat and humidity of the tropics, being less resistant to cold than the Cuban Royal Palm.
The Caribbean Royal Palm exhibits good resistance to salinity and maritime environments, making it an excellent choice for coastal regions. It also withstands winds very well, although it is not flexible enough to tolerate strong tornadoes, as some other palm species do.
The planting of the Caribbean Royal Palm should preferably be done at the beginning of the rainy season, in well-prepared beds, with organic fertilization rich in matured manure and worm castings. The bed should be at least 24 inches (60 cm) deep and wide, or twice the size of the root ball.
Adult plants can be cured, transported, and transplanted successfully, provided they are young and well-managed throughout the process. Staking with props is essential after transplantation.
Watering should be regular during the first few months, especially in dry seasons. After establishment, the palm becomes more drought-resistant but benefits from supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods.
It does not require regular pruning, only the removal of dry or damaged leaves, always using clean and sharp tools. Never remove more than 40% of the plant’s crown, as this may cause severe growth defects, such as narrowed areas on the trunk that can only be seen years later.
Ripe fruits can be harvested to prevent mess or fall hazards in circulation areas. The general maintenance of the Caribbean Royal Palm is considered low, making it ideal for long-lasting landscaping with few interventions.
The Caribbean Royal Palm is relatively rustic and shows good natural resistance to pests, but it may be affected by specific problems. Among the most common are:
- Trunk borers, which can penetrate the trunk in weakened palms.
- Beetles and caterpillars, which attack the new leaves and can be fatal depending on the infestation.
- Scale insects and mites, especially in dry or poorly ventilated environments.
Fungal diseases, such as leaf spots and trunk rot, are rare but can occur in poorly drained soils or under excessive moisture. Prevention includes good drainage, balanced fertilization, and pest monitoring.
Propagation of the Caribbean Royal Palm is done exclusively by freshly harvested seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits, washed, and placed to germinate in a light and moist potting mix, under partial shade.
Germination occurs between 30 and 90 days, depending on the temperature and viability of the seeds. Initial growth is considered slow in the first few years, with progressive acceleration starting from the second or third year of cultivation.
Under ideal conditions, the Caribbean Royal Palm can grow from 20 inches (50 cm) to 39 inches (1 meter) per year. Mature, well-established plants exhibit a constant and uniform growth rate, reaching maturity between 10 and 15 years after planting.
