Johannesteijsmannia altifrons
 
Common Names Joey Palm, Diamond Joey, Umbrella Leaf Palm
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A spectacular understory palm native to the rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and southern Thailand, Johannesteijsmannia altifrons is prized for its massive, undivided diamond-shaped leaves and trunkless form. Emerging directly from a subterranean stem, its pleated foliage can reach over 10 ft in length, creating a dramatic architectural presence in shaded tropical gardens. Sensitive to root disturbance and intolerant of dry air, it rewards careful growers with one of the most visually arresting leaf forms in the palm world2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; acaulescent; slow-growing
Height: 10–20 ft (3–6 m); leaf blades up to 11 ft (3.5 m) long and 6 ft (1.8 m) wide
Trunk: Subterranean; creeping; up to 6 in (15 cm) diameter
Leaves: Entire; diamond-shaped; pleated; serrated edges; petioles up to 8 ft (2.5 m), armed with minute spines
Inflorescence: Erect then pendulous; branched to third order; cream-colored flowers with sour milk scent
Fruit: Round; 1.6–2 in (4–5 cm) diameter; covered in corky warts
Ecology: Grows in hill dipterocarp forests up to 800 m elevation; prefers shaded, humid understory2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered light to deep shade
Watering: High; keep evenly moist
Soil: Rich, well-drained; humus-rich; avoid compaction
Temperature: Hardy to ~35°F (1.5°C); frost-sensitive
Humidity: Very high; dislikes dry indoor air
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: Not drought-, salt-, or cold-tolerant; extremely sensitive to root disturbance
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical shade gardens, conservatories, and collectors of architectural foliage. Pairs well with Licuala grandis, Pinanga javana, and Anthurium veitchii.