Licuala lauterbachii
 
Common Names None widely established; occasionally referred to as Lauterbach’s Fan Palm
 
Zones 10a–11
 
A rare, solitary fan palm native to the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Licuala lauterbachii is prized for its elegant, circular, multi-segmented leaves and slender form. Often confused with Licuala ramsayi, it can be distinguished by its darker foliage, hairy petioles, and early flowering habit. This species is ideal for shaded tropical gardens or as a large container specimen in humid environments.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 20 ft (6 m); trunk slender and upright
Trunk: Narrow; smooth; fiber-covered
Leaves: Circular; costapalmate; deeply segmented with irregular widths; dark green; up to 3 ft (1 m) wide
Petioles: Slender; covered in brown to dark brown hairs; armed with curved spines
Inflorescence: Flowers appear early in potted specimens; yellow-white blooms
Fruit: Bright red; small; produced in dense clusters
Ecology: Native to tropical moist forests; found in Morobe Province and northern coastal lowlands of Papua New Guinea2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Dappled shade to bright indirect light
Watering: Regular; prefers consistently moist soil
Soil: Rich, well-drained; high organic content
Temperature: Prefers 75–88°F (24–31°C); cold hardy to ~30°F (–1°C)
Humidity: High; mist regularly in dry conditions
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: Sensitive to drought and wind; requires protection from dry air and direct sun
 
Landscape Use Best suited for shaded tropical gardens, conservatories, or as a statement container palm. Pairs well with Licuala ramsayi, Johannesteijsmannia altifrons, and Calamus caryotoides.