Common Name: red latan
Type: Palm or Cycad
Family: Arecaceae
Native Range: Reunion
Zone: 10 to 12
Height: 30.00 to 40.00 feet
Spread: 15.00 to 20.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Flowers not showy
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soils in full sun. Does not tolerate prolonged periods of cold weather, and thrives in hot climates. Tolerant of salt-spray. Hardy in frost-free Zones 10-12.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Latania lontaroides, commonly known as red latan or red latan palm, is a medium sized palm found growing only on coastal cliffs and in open, lowland areas on the island of Réunion. Although this species is very rare in the wild, it is relatively common in cultivation. Mature specimens will reach up to 40' tall with a 20' wide crown held atop the smooth, grey trunk. The trunk may swell at the base and age to black over time. The foliage is stiff, fan-shaped, and has a white sheen. Individual fronds can reach up to 8' wide attached to the crown with a petiole (leaf stem) reaching up to 5' long. Immature specimens have bright red petioles.
Genus name comes from the Mauritius vernacular name.
The specific epithet lontaroides means "resembling Lontarus", a genus of palm now called Borassus.
The common name red latan refers to the bright red color of the young leaf petioles.
Problems
Susceptible to lethal yellowing disease.
Uses
A good specimen palm for coastal and tropical gardens with hot climates.