Burretiokentia hapala
 
Common Names Hapala Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A rare and elegant palm endemic to the rainforests of northern Grande Terre, New Caledonia, Burretiokentia hapala is prized for its slender trunk, soft tomentose leaf sheaths, and graceful, arching pinnate leaves. It thrives in humid, shaded environments and is best suited for collectors and botanical gardens seeking a refined understory specimen.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; moderate growth rate
Height: Up to 50 ft (15 m) in habitat
Trunk: Slender, 4–7 in (10–17 cm) diameter; smooth with prominent leaf scars; may develop stilt roots
Leaves: Pinnate; ~40 pinnae per side; dull green above, paler below; sheath densely tomentose (gray-brown to whitish)
Petiole: Very short (~2 in); concave above, convex below; covered in waxy brown-centered scales
Rachis: Up to 8 ft (2.4 m); channelled above, rounded below; pinnae narrowly elliptic, obliquely acute
Inflorescence: 2–6 drooping spikes; thick woolly tomentum, whitish aging to brown
Fruit: Ovoid, slightly ellipsoid; ~0.6 in (15 mm) long; purple when mature
Ecology: Found on steep slopes and alluvial soils in rainforest and gallery forest habitats; rarely on limestone
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered light to part shade
Watering: Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam; avoid limestone-heavy mixes
Temperature: Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); sensitive below 50°F
Humidity: High; thrives in rainforest conditions
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; protect from drying
Tolerance: Sensitive to drought and cold; dislikes wind and poor drainage
 
Landscape Use Ideal for shaded tropical gardens, conservatories, and rare palm collections. Pairs well with Chambeyronia macrocarpa, Cyathea medullaris, and Licuala ramsayi.