Areca or Butterfly Palms are widely planted throughout sub-tropical and tropical climates.  Of the tribe Areceae, and subfamily Arecoideae, it is also known by the botanic name Chrysalidocarpus lutescens. It grows quickly and is often grown as a shrub or hedge.  Areca palms are native to Madagascar.

Common Name:  Areca Palm or Butterfly Palm

Botanical Name:  Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Subfamily:  Arecoideae

Plant Type:  Clustering Palm Tree

Origin: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  20'

Rate of Growth: Quick

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Soil Requirements:  Widely adaptable

Water Requirements: High drought tolerance

Nutritional Requirements: High, subject to potassium deficiency.

Light Requirements: Moderate, high light

Form:  Clumping palm

Leaves:  Pinnately compound, reduplicate, with 80-100 leaflets held in a "V". 

              Color -- Medium Green.  8' long; leaflets 1.5-2"  long, 1.5" wide.

Inflorescence: 3' long, borne below the leaves, few branching, drooping

Fruits: Yellow

Pests or diseases:  Ganoderma, phytophthora bud rot, gliocladium blight, caterpillars, mealybugs, banana moth

Uses:  Hedge or specimen plant

Bad Habits: Foliage usually marred by nutritional deficiencies on soils with low fertility.

Cost:  $$ -- Reasonable

Propagation: Seed, germinates in 2 months or less when fresh, division.