Hyophorbe lagenicaulis
 
Common Names Bottle Palm, Palmiste Gargoulette
 
Zones 10A–11
 
One of the most iconic ornamental palms, Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is native to Round Island, Mauritius, and instantly recognizable for its swollen, bottle-shaped trunk. Despite its critically endangered status in the wild, it is widely cultivated for its sculptural form, compact crown, and tolerance of coastal conditions. Its slow growth and limited leaf count make it ideal for small gardens, poolside plantings, and container culture.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: 10–20 ft (3–6 m)
Trunk: Smooth; pale gray; dramatically swollen at base; tapers upward
Crownshaft: Pale green; waxy; self-cleaning
Leaves: Pinnate; 4–8 per crown; arching; up to 10 ft (3 m) long; 140 leaflets in two upward-pointing rows
Inflorescence: Branched to 4 orders; creamy-white flowers emerge below crownshaft
Fruit: Oval; 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm); turns black when ripe
Ecology: Endemic to Round Island, Mauritius; grows in coastal savannas and upland forests2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Moderate; allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings
Soil: Well-drained; sandy or loamy mix
Temperature: Hardy to ~32°F (0°C); foliage may burn in light frost
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; germinates in 5–6 months
Tolerance: Excellent salt tolerance; not drought- or cold-tolerant
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical gardens, poolside accents, and container culture. Pairs well with Hyophorbe verschaffeltii, Adonidia merrillii, and Chrysalidocarpus decipiens.