Chambeyronia macrocarpa var. 'Hookeri'
 
Common Names Yellow Flame Thrower Palm, Blonde Flame Thrower, Hooker's Crownshaft Palm
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A rare and highly sought-after cultivar of Chambeyronia macrocarpa, native to the ultramafic rainforests of New Caledonia. Distinguished by its pale yellow crownshaft and petioles, 'Hookeri' shares the spectacular red flushing of new leaves seen in the species, but with a softer, more luminous contrast. Its solitary trunk and graceful foliage make it a showpiece in tropical gardens and high-end landscape design.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; upright; slow to moderate growth
Height: 25–30 ft (7.5–9 m) in cultivation
Trunk: Slender; gray with light-colored leaf scars; bamboo-like appearance
Crownshaft: Pale yellow to golden; smooth and columnar—defining trait of the cultivar
Leaves: Pinnate; 8–10 ft (2.4–3 m) long; arching; flat-plane arrangement; new leaves emerge bright red
Inflorescence: Dioecious; male and female flowers on separate plants; small, clustered, and inconspicuous
Fruit: Small, round; reddish when ripe
Ecology: Native to mid-elevation rainforest (610–900 m); thrives on volcano-sedimentary and shale-rich soils
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered light to part sun; protect from harsh midday exposure
Watering: Regular; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Rich organic mix; avoid alkaline or compacted soils
Temperature: Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect below 40°F
Humidity: High; misting recommended in dry climates
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; seeds identifiable by pale fiber pattern
Tolerance: Sensitive to cold, drought, and poor drainage
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical gardens, collector landscapes, and luxury container displays. Pairs well with Clinostigma, Hydriastele, and Licuala species. Best used as a focal
specimen in protected microclimates.