Hyophorbe verschaffeltii
 
Common Names Spindle Palm, Palmiste Marron
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A sculptural palm endemic to Rodrigues Island in the Mascarene archipelago, Hyophorbe verschaffeltii is prized for its spindle-shaped trunk and upright, arching fronds. Though critically endangered in the wild, it is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and compact form. Its smooth gray trunk swells in the middle, tapering at both ends, and its waxy green crownshaft supports a tidy crown of 6–10 feathery leaves.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: 10–20 ft (3–6 m)
Trunk: Smooth; gray; swollen midsection; ringed with leaf scars
Crownshaft: Pale green; waxy; self-cleaning
Leaves: Pinnate; arching; 9–10 ft (2.7–3 m) long; leaflets bright green above, gray below
Inflorescence: Interfoliar; horn-like spikes emerge below crownshaft; creamy-white flowers in triads
Fruit: Oval; orange to black when ripe; ~1 in (2.5 cm) long
Ecology: Endemic to Rodrigues Island; fewer than 50 wild specimens remain
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Sandy or loamy; slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: Hardy to ~30°F (–1°C); defoliates below freezing
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; germinates in 4–6 months
Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; not salt- or frost-tolerant
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical gardens, poolside accents, and container culture. Pairs well with Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, Adonidia merrillii, and Chrysalidocarpus decipiens.