Carpentaria acuminata
 
Common Names Carpentaria Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A fast-growing, solitary palm native to the tropical forests of northern Australia, Carpentaria acuminata is prized for its slender trunk, lush crownshaft, and elegant, arching fronds. It thrives in humid, lowland environments and is widely used in tropical landscaping for its rapid vertical growth and self-cleaning habit.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; moderate to fast growth rate
Height: Typically 30–40 ft (9–12 m); up to 65 ft (20 m) in habitat
Trunk: Slender, gray to tan; 4–8 in (10–20 cm) diameter; smooth with widely spaced leaf scars
Leaves: Pinnate; 10–12 per crown; 6–13 ft (2–4 m) long; deep green above, bluish-green below
Crownshaft: Smooth, bright green; up to 4 ft (1.3 m) tall
Inflorescence: Bisexual; emerges below crownshaft; 3–4 ft (1–1.2 m) long; white flowers in triads
Fruit: Scarlet red when ripe; globular; ~0.8 in (20 mm) diameter; contains up to 3 seeds; not edible—may irritate skin
Ecology: Native to swamp forests, vine thickets, and rainforest margins; found from sea level to 200 m elevation
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: High; prefers consistently moist soil
Soil: Rich loam or clay; well-drained but moisture-retentive
Temperature: Thrives in 70–95°F (21–35°C); sensitive below 35°F
Humidity: High; prefers tropical conditions
Propagation: By seed; germinates in 1–3 months when fresh
Tolerance: Fast-growing; dislikes drought and cold; self-cleaning
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical gardens, avenue plantings, and fast vertical accents. Pairs well with Ptychosperma macarthurii, Archontophoenix alexandrae, and Licuala ramsayi.