Latania lontaroides
 
Common Names Red Latan Palm, Latanier Rouge, Latanier de la Réunion
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A striking fan palm endemic to Réunion Island, Latania lontaroides is prized for its stiff, costapalmate leaves and reddish petioles when young. Once widespread across the island, it now survives only in isolated coastal ravines and cliffs due to habitat loss. Its symmetrical crown, smooth gray trunk, and slow growth make it ideal for formal gardens and collectors of Mascarene endemics.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 40 ft (12 m); trunk diameter ~10 in (25 cm)
Trunk: Smooth; gray; slightly swollen at base; ringed with leaf scars
Leaves: Costapalmate; stiff; 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) wide; reddish petioles and leaf bases when young, maturing to green
Inflorescence: Interfoliar; male and female flowers on separate plants (dioecious)
Fruit: Oval; reddish-brown; corky texture; ~2 in (5 cm) long
Ecology: Endemic to Réunion Island; grows on cliffs and coastal slopes between Petite Île and Saint-Philippe2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
Soil: Sandy or loamy; slightly alkaline to neutral
Temperature: Hardy to ~28°F (–2°C); may defoliate in light frost
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: Moderate drought and salt tolerance; not suitable for wet soils
 
Landscape Use Ideal for formal gardens, coastal landscapes, and collectors of Mascarene species. Pairs well with Latania verschaffeltii, Bismarckia nobilis, and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis.