Livistona alfredii
 
Common Names Millstream Palm, Millstream Fan Palm
 
Zones 9b–11
 
A rare, solitary fan palm endemic to the arid northwest of Western Australia, Livistona alfredii is adapted to dry conditions and rocky watercourses. It features a tall, slender trunk and a crown of rigid, glaucous-green leaves. This species is dioecious and slow-growing, with persistent petiole bases and a striking silhouette. It is best suited for collectors seeking hardy, architectural palms with provenance from Australia’s Pilbara region.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 40 ft (12 m); trunk diameter 8–20 in (20–50 cm)
Trunk: Pale gray; leaf scars prominent; petiole stubs persistent in lower 3 ft (1 m)
Leaves: Costapalmate; subcircular; 3–4.5 ft (90–140 cm) wide; 50–66 segments; glaucous green above, waxy light green below
Petioles: 3–4 ft (90–130 cm) long; armed with curved black spines near base
Inflorescence: Up to 9 ft (270 cm) long; branched to 3 orders; cream to yellow flowers from July to January
Fruit: Round; dark brown when ripe; 1.2–1.6 in (3–4 cm) diameter
Ecology: Found along drainage lines and permanent pools in the Fortescue and Ashburton River systems; thrives in well-drained, rocky soils at 160–1,800 ft (50–560 m) elevation2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; sandy or rocky; alkaline to neutral
Temperature: Hardy to ~25°F (–4°C); tolerates heat and aridity
Humidity: Low to moderate
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: High drought and heat tolerance; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for xeric landscapes, desert gardens, and Australian native plantings. Pairs well with Brachychiton rupestris, Cycas revoluta, and Eucalyptus miniata.