Iriartea deltoidea
 
Common Names Huacrapona, Chonta Palm, Maquenque Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A towering canopy palm native to Central and South American rainforests, Iriartea deltoidea is revered for its smooth, ringed trunk, massive stilt roots, and symmetrical crown of feathery fronds. Often reaching 80–100 ft in the wild, it anchors itself with a dense cone of black stilt roots that can span 6 ft across. Its delta-shaped leaf bases and horn-like inflorescences make it one of the most visually striking palms in the neotropics.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; canopy-forming; slow to moderate growth
Height: Up to 98 ft (30 m) in habitat; 20–40 ft (6–12 m) in cultivation
Trunk: Smooth; gray; ringed; often swollen mid-trunk; supported by 1–2 m tall cone of black stilt roots
Leaves: Pinnate; 10–16 ft (3–5 m) long; leaflets bushy, split longitudinally, arranged in multiple planes
Inflorescence: Infrafoliar; horn-shaped buds; cream-colored flowers on pendulous branches
Fruit: Globose; dull bluish-black; ~1.2 in (3 cm) diameter
Ecology: Native from Nicaragua to Bolivia and Brazil; dominant canopy species in moist lowland forests; often epiphyte-laden
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Partial shade to full sun when mature
Watering: High; prefers consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained; humus-rich; avoid compaction
Temperature: Hardy to ~35°F (1.5°C); frost-sensitive
Humidity: High
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: Not drought- or salt-tolerant; sensitive to dry wind and low humidity
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical rainforest gardens, botanical collections, and architectural plantings. Pairs well with Socratea exorrhiza, Attalea speciosa, and Geonoma undata.