Hawaii Palm Trees

How many Hawaii palm trees do you think there are?

There is only one group of palms, all in the same family that are native to Hawaii. They are in the family branch of Pritchardia also know as loulu palms.

Native Hawaii Palm Trees

There are a few different varieties of this family that are also called the loulu palm. Some actually consider all the family members native to Hawaii as loulu palms. If you here this term it could mean almost any member of the Pritchardia group.

The Pritchardia palms are in the fan leaf category. This group of Hawaii palm trees vary widely in size from about 10-12 feet tall to over 120 feet.

The fan leaves can range in color from many shades of green, to silver to almost blue. There’s even one that has the new leaves emerge in a yellowy color. Sometimes the underside of the leaf actually retains that color.

The leaves also range from having smaller divided segments to being deeply divided. Most look like they are pleated.

The leaves of loulu palms are used in thatch roofs and for making hats.

Most have yellow flowers of both sexes that once pollinated will produce a fruit that is brown to almost black when ripe.

On some of the species the flower "branches" are longer than the leaves so they will hang out past them.

This group of palms are generally easy to germinate from seed.

That has made them easier for distribution around the world to gardeners and landscapers everywhere.   

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If they can climb the trunk then they don’t just eat the ripening fruit and seed, they also like to munch on the new shoots of leaves emerging.

Palms only grow new leaves from a single location called the “bud “.

If it is too badly damaged like eaten by rats, then the tree will die.

There are some people on the islands that have started a recovery program to re-establish these great trees in the wild.

They are collecting seeds and starting the seedlings in protected areas. The goals include replanting them in nature in the areas they came from. Hopefully the extra efforts will be rewarded in the near future.  

They are also using them to plant in cities, parks, and in landscapes all over the islands instead of the species that aren’t native.

Imported Hawaii Palm Trees

The ideal growing conditions make it so there are many different types of imported palms on the islands.

The coconut is prevalent but was originally brought to the islands by Polynesians way back before the 1800’s.

The travelers palm, Fiji fan, lipstick or red wax palm and so many others are now growing on the islands that I couldn’t come close to mentioning them all.

So instead here's the palm tree passion Pinterest board on Hawaii palm trees. It will help to show the different varieties that are growing happily there.

I bet there’s a spot on the islands that will grow just about all but the fussiest palms.

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Explore the info on growing healthy palms 

• Palm Tree Care I know the question you are asking "So what's involved in palm tree care?" I guess that really depends on where you live
• Pruning Palm Trees There is a certain amount of skill involved in pruning palm trees, especially the large coconut palms.
• Bottle Palm Tree Care Instructions I’ve had an inquiry about bottle palm tree care. Here’s what you have to do to successfully grow these delightful trees.

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