Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Hardy in Zones 11-12. Can be propagated from seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pritchardia affinis, commonly called Hawaii pritchardia, Kona fan palm, or Loulu, is a medium to large palm endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found growing in moist, coastal forests. Invasive rats, feral pigs, exotic plants, and habitat destruction have greatly reduced the wild populations of this palm. Mature specimens in cultivation can reach around 35' tall with a 25' spread. Some wild specimens have been found to be as tall as 80'. The fronds have fan-shaped blades (up to 3' long) and the bases of their stiff petioles are covered in cream to light pink, soft, woolly hairs. In late winter, branched, dense panicles of yellow flowers bloom from the leaf axils in late winter. The round yellow fruits are 1" in diameter and mature to black. Synonymous with P. maideniana.
Genus name honors W. T. Pritchard, 19th-century British official in Polynesia.
The specific epithet affinis means "related" or "similar", possibly in reference to its similarity to the species Pritchardia martii.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems.
Uses
A unique specimen piece for the tropical landscape. However, given the rarity of this species in the wild, it may be difficult to source outside of Hawaii.