Phoenicophorium borsigianum
 
Common Names Thief Palm, Latanier Feuille, Borsig’s Palm
 
Zones 10b–11
 
A solitary, spiny palm endemic to the Seychelles, Phoenicophorium borsigianum is one of the few native species capable of colonizing degraded and eroded terrain. It thrives in both moist forest understory and exposed rocky outcrops, making it a valuable pioneer species for restoration. Its large, pleated leaves and black spines give it a distinctive, rugged beauty.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 52 ft (16 m); trunk diameter ~4 in (10 cm)
Trunk: Slender; heavily ringed with leaf scars; spiny in juvenile stages
Leaves: Entire or shallowly notched; pleated; up to 6.5 ft (2 m) long; glossy green above, pleated surface traps litter and shelters geckos and invertebrates
Petioles: Armed with black spines; prominent in young plants
Inflorescence: Short; emerges among leaf bases
Fruit: Red; round; ~1 in (2.5 cm) diameter
Ecology: Found on eight Seychelles islands including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue; colonizes degraded forest, rocky outcrops, and dry slopes; often coexists with Lodoicea maldivica and competes with Cinnamomum verum2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to deep shade
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor, rocky, or eroded soils
Temperature: Prefers 75–88°F (24–31°C); cold sensitive below 35°F (1.5°C)
Humidity: High
Propagation: By seed; germinates readily in most conditions
Tolerance: High drought and sun tolerance; ideal for restoration and ornamental use
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical restoration gardens, island-themed plantings, and rugged ornamental borders. Pairs well with Lodoicea maldivica, Deckenia nobilis, and Pandanus utilis.