Satakentia liukiuensis
 
Common Names Satake Palm
 
Zones 10a–11
 
A rare and elegant palm native to the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan, Satakentia liukiuensis is the sole species in its genus and a prized ornamental for subtropical gardens. It features a smooth, striated trunk, prominent crownshaft, and gracefully arching pinnate leaves with silvery undersides. Found naturally in moist montane forests of Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, it is often planted as a street tree in Okinawa and valued for its resilience and architectural beauty2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; upright; unarmed; pleonanthic
Height: 40–65 ft (12–20 m); trunk diameter up to 12 in (30 cm)
Trunk: Smooth; green to brown; longitudinally striate; ringed with close leaf scars; swollen base with adventitious roots
Leaves: Pinnate; 10–14 per crown; up to 10 ft (3 m) long; leaflets single-fold, acute, evenly spaced; silvery underside; prominent crownshaft with chartaceous ligule
Inflorescence: Infrafoliar; branched to 2 orders; densely tomentose; flowers borne in triads (2 staminate, 1 pistillate)
Fruit: Black, ovoid-ellipsoid; ~0.5 in (13 mm) long; mesocarp fibrous; palm heart edible in emergencies
Ecology: Endemic to Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands; grows in moist montane forest and coastal hillslopes; often in even-aged stands
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright shade to filtered sun
Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained tropical mix; tolerates limestone and salt
Temperature: Sensitive to frost; short-term survival to ~25°F (–3.8°C); protect below 40°F (4°C)
Humidity: High (70–90%); misting recommended indoors
Propagation: By seed; germination in 70–112 days
Tolerance: Salt, mild drought, limestone soils; sensitive to temperature swings
 
Landscape Use Ideal for subtropical gardens, conservatories, and collectors of Asian endemics. Its graceful crownshaft and silvery foliage make it a standout specimen. Pairs well with Arenga engleri, Livistona chinensis, and Cycas revoluta.