Archontophoenix purpurea
 
Common Names Purple King Palm, Mount Lewis Palm, Purple Piccabean Palm
 
Zones 9B–12
 
A rare and regal palm native to the montane rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Archontophoenix purpurea is distinguished by its swollen, reddish-purple crownshaft and silvery leaf undersides. It thrives in warm, humid climates and adapts well to rich, moist soils. Though slower growing than its relatives, its ornamental value and adaptability make it a prized specimen for collectors and tropical landscapes2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary palm; slow to moderate growth rate
Height: Up to 25 m (80 ft) in habitat; 10–20 m in cultivation
Trunk: Smooth gray, slightly swollen at base; up to 30 cm diameter; ringed with leaf scars
Leaves: Pinnate, arching fronds up to 4 m long; leaflets flat, dark green above, silvery beneath
Petiole: Unarmed; supports symmetrical, feathery foliage
Inflorescence: Cream to yellow flowers in spring and summer; borne beneath crownshaft
Fruit: Round, red when ripe; ~0.5 cm diameter
Ecology: Native to montane rainforests up to 1200 m elevation; tolerates periodic flooding and poor drainage
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Watering: Regular; prefers evenly moist soil
Soil: Rich, well-draining loam; widely adaptable
Temperature: Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); hardy to 25°F
Humidity: High; thrives in tropical humidity
Propagation: By seed; germination in 6–12 weeks with warmth
Tolerance: Resistant to heat, humidity, and verticillium wilt; sensitive to prolonged cold3
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical gardens, container culture, and collector landscapes. Pairs well with Ptychosperma elegans, Alpinia purpurata, and Anthurium schlechtendalii.