Calyptrocalyx albertisianus
 
Common Names Sunset Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A small to medium-sized solitary palm native to the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Calyptrocalyx albertisianus is celebrated for its vivid red emergent leaves and elegant, arching crown. Unlike many in its genus, this species is non-clustering and well-suited to warm, sheltered gardens or container culture.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; moderate growth rate
Height: Typically 8–12 ft (2.5–3.5 m); up to 15 ft (4.5 m) in habitat
Trunk: Slender; light-colored rings from leaf scars; may show reddish leaf base scars
Leaves: Pinnate; up to 10 ft (3 m) long; wide, evenly spaced pinnae; new leaves emerge cherry red, fading to orange then deep green
Petiole: Very short; concave above, convex below; covered in waxy brown-centered scales
Inflorescence: Monoecious; small white flowers on undivided spike2
Fruit: Red when mature; moderately sized
Ecology: Found in humid, shaded rainforest understories; prefers humus-rich soils
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered light to part shade
Watering: Regular; never allow soil to dry out
Soil: Rich, humus-laden; well-drained but moisture-retentive
Temperature: Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); surprisingly cold-tolerant for a tropical species
Humidity: Very high; thrives in rainforest conditions
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; protect from drying
Tolerance: Sensitive to drought and wind; resilient once established
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical understory gardens, shade plantings, and container culture. Pairs well with Licuala grandis, Pinanga coronata, and Cyrtostachys renda.