Arecaceae FAMILY

Roystonea borinquena

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Tree

GrowthFast

A native of the moist troipical lowlands, the species regenerates naturally in areas with a mean annual rainfall of 1,250 - 2,500mm of rain; a mean annual temperature of 25°c, and frost free^[1]. Grows best in a position in full sun^[1]. Prefers a well drained position, preferably on limestone based soils^[1]. Mature trees withstand hurricane force winds^[1]. The plant is able to withstand a polluted atmosphere, and also to grow well on either moist, well-drained soils or partially compacted fill dirt^[1]. A fast-growing tree when young^[1]. Plants transplant very easily, even when mature^[1]. The roots don't damage sidewalks or kerbs even when the trees are planted in constricted spaces^[1]. The plant can flower and produce fruit all year round^[2].

Propagation

Seed is easily germinated, the seedlings can take full sun immediately and are very fast growing^[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Roystonea+borinquena>

Pollinators

Bees

References

[1]Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia. — http://www.pacsoa.org.au/ ↩︎Contains at least a little information on the majority of palm and cycad species, plus a wealth of photographs. A first class website.
[2]Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands — Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. · USDA, Forest Service; Washington. · 1964 ↩︎Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species.
[3]Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas — Henderson A.; Galeano G.; Bernal R. · Princeton University Press; Princeton, New Jersey. · 1995 · ISBN 0-691-08537-4 ↩︎An excellent book, giving basic information on all the 550 species of palms native to the Americas that were known in 1995. Comprehensive information on the plants range and habitat, brief description, some uses and almost 250 photos.
[4]Heart of Palm Use: A Family Survey — Scott Zona, Ph.D. · Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Virtual Herbarium. · http://www.virtualherbarium.org/palmresearch/Hearts_of_Palm_table.html ↩︎An on-line article listing the botanical names and range of palm trees that have an edible apical bud.
[PFAF]Plants for a Future — pfaf.org ↩︎