The Princess or Hurricane Palm is a beautiful palm allegedly resistant to hurricane force winds.  It is suitable for sub-tropical climates and is moderately drought tolerant.   Of the tribe Arecceae, and subfamily Arecoideae it is also known by the botanic name Dictyosperma album.  Princess Palms are native to the Mascarene Islands where they are considered close to extinction.

Common Name:  Princess or Hurricane Palm

Botanical Name:  Dictyosperma album

Subfamily:  Arecoideae

Plant Type:  Solitary Palm Tree

Origin: Mascarene Islands (endangered in its native habitat)

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  30'

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Soil Requirements:  Widely adaptable

Water Requirements: Moderate drought tolerance

Nutritional Requirements:   Moderate

Light Requirements: High

Form:  Solitary, relatively slender trunk.  Canopy of 10-20 leaves.

Leaves:  Pinnately compound, reduplicate; twisted 90° near tip.

Inflorescence: 1.5' long, horn-like in bud

Fruits:  Purple-black

Pests or diseases:  Moderately susceptible to lethal yellowing.

Uses:  Specimen tree

Bad Habits: Drying winds can burn foliage.  Irrigate during prolonged drought.

Cost:  $$ - $$$ -- Reasonable to Expensive

Propagation:   Seed, germinates in 2-4 months.