Wine palm (Borassus flabellifer)
Borassus flabellifer, the majestic Wine palm, is a large fan palm native to Southern Asia, ideal for Zones 10-11.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Borassus flabellifer, commonly recognized as the Wine palm or palmyra palm, is a spectacular, sturdy fan palm native to Southern Asia. It is highly valued in large landscapes for its towering, straight trunk and dramatic crown of large, rigid, palmate leaves, which offer exceptional architectural interest.
Mature specimens of Borassus flabellifer can reach impressive heights between 40 to 60 feet, forming a commanding presence in tropical and subtropical settings. Beyond its visual appeal, this tree holds significant cultural and economic value; its sap, known as toddy, is traditionally tapped for consumption, supporting its numerous common names.
For gardeners in appropriate climates (USDA Zones 10-11), the Wine palm offers long-term impact, requiring medium maintenance once established. Its drought tolerance when mature makes it a resilient choice for large estate gardens or public parks that desire a truly imposing, long-lived specimen tree.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Arecaceae
- Plant Type: Palm or Cycad
- Native Range: Southern Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 40-60 ft
- Spread: 18-25 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Borassus flabellifer is best done when young, as rooted palm specimens establish poor root systems. Locate it in a position receiving full sun, though slightly mitigated afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest locations. This palm thrives in consistently moist yet well-drained soil compositions.
Care involves providing consistent medium water levels, especially during establishment. While drought tolerant once its deep roots secure themselves, regular, deep watering prevents stress. Fertilization should follow standard palm guidelines, focusing on magnesium and potassium if deficiencies arise in your local soil.
Pruning is generally minimal, focusing only on removing completely dead or damaged fronds from the crown for safety. Be aware that larger Borassus flabellifer trees are notoriously difficult to transplant due to their deep taproots, making initial placement critical for success.
Landscape Uses
The sheer scale and defined silhouette of the Wine palm make it an outstanding ornamental tree in spacious landscapes. Its imposing stature is perfect for lining grand avenues, marking entrances, or acting as a solitary specimen in large lawns where its crown can be fully appreciated. This tree adds immediate tropical gravitas to any park setting.
In landscape design, pair the height of Borassus flabellifer with lower-growing tropical shrubs or groundcovers to accentuate its verticality without competing for canopy space. Its stiff, fan-shaped leaves provide a strong textural contrast against softer, pinnate palms or broadleaf evergreens, offering dynamic visual depth.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Borassus flabellifer, commonly called palmyra palm, toddy palm or lontar palm, is a large fan palm that typically matures to 60’ tall and to 25’ wide featuring a straight solitary gray trunk (to 3’ in diameter) ringed with leaf scars and a globose crown of rigid palmate leaves (each to 8-10’ long) with spiny stalks. This palm is native to India, Sri Lanka and Malaya. Near white flowers appear in pendant clusters from the leaf axils in late spring to early summer. Male and female flowers are borne on different trees (dioecious).
Tolerances
- Drought tolerant once established
Potential Problems
The Wine palm generally exhibits good resilience against pests and diseases, showing no history of serious, recurring insect or disease problems when properly sited. The main concern for health management is susceptibility to lethal yellowing if grown in areas where this serious palm disease is prevalent. Monitor for signs of unusual yellowing in the older fronds and consult local extension offices regarding preventative fungicide treatments if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wine palm suitable for?
The Borassus flabellifer performs reliably in USDA Zones 10 through 11. Success outside these zones is unlikely without significant protection.
How large does Borassus flabellifer grow?
This palm is substantial, typically reaching heights between 40 and 60 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 18 to 25 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Borassus flabellifer need?
This species requires full sun exposure to thrive, though it appreciates receiving some slight relief from the most intense afternoon heat common to its native tropical regions.
When does Wine palm bloom?
The Wine palm produces its near-white flowers seasonally, usually appearing in clusters during the months of June and July.
Companion Planting
When integrating the Borassus flabellifer into a larger tropical scheme, select understory plants that appreciate excellent drainage and full sun exposure. Consider planting flowering shrubs like Hibiscus or Ixora near the base where the sunlight reaches, provided their root systems won’t interfere with the palm’s developing deep roots. For ground cover, species tolerant of dappled shade cast by the high crown are ideal.
To enhance the structural contrast, pair this stiff fan palm with delicate, feathery-leaved palms or ferns underneath its canopy line. Ensure adequate spacing, as the mature 25-foot spread requires significant room to develop without crowding adjacent mature plantings or structures.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the ideal time to assess the Wine palm for any necessary fertilization, particularly before the active growing period kicks off in late spring/early summer. Water needs remain crucial through the hot summer months of June and July when the white flowers appear, requiring consistent medium moisture.
In autumn, focus on safety by carefully inspecting the lower crown for any fronds that have died back completely. Removing these older, heavy leaves prevents potential safety hazards during winter storms, especially in areas that might experience high winds, even though the palm is generally quite robust.
Conclusion
The Borassus flabellifer, or Wine palm, provides unmatched scale and ancient, tropical character for expansive gardens and public spaces in warm climates. Its strong trunk architecture and reliable performance in Zones 10-11 make it a premier choice for creating dramatic focal points. Before planting, accurately determine your expected mature space and confirm local hardiness zone compatibility.
