The Queen Palm, scientific name Syagrus Romanzoffiana, is a very elegant tropical tree, native to South America. It is a part of the Family Arecaceae and the genus Syagrus. It is one of the most used palm trees in the world. This tree is widely grown in streets, parks in tropical and subtropical regions. The Queen tree is also can be raised as a houseplant inside.

The genus Syagrus is closely related to the genus Cocos. Several decades ago it was assigned with the Cocos Plumosa. The palm is very similar to the Coconut Palm and  often called the Cocos Plumosa. Several year ago scentists started to refer it as the Syagrus Romanzoffi and placed in the genus Syagrus.

The tree can grow up to 50 feet in height. The Syagrus Romanzoffiana has a smooth solitary grey trunk with sheath scars at the top and topped with long, gracefully arching, bright glossy green or dark green, pinnate leaves.

In spring and summer time the tree produces the conspicuous inflorescence. Yellow flowers appear on long hanging clusters. The numerous ornamental, green drupes are formed in long, up to 6 feet hanging clusters. They ripen during late fall or early winter and become bright orange.

This beautiful tree is moderatelty drought tolerant. It is sensitive to high winds and hurricanes. The leaves break and topple over in high wind. It has a weak shallow root system and prone to blow over.

The Queen Palm is hardy to 20 F. Temperatures below 18 F can kill the tree.

The Queen palm grows well in full sun and sandy, well-drained acidic soils. Alkaline soils should be avoided because of severe mineral deficiencies. The palm has very high nutritional requirements and needs a regular nutritional program. Fertilize the tree at least twice a year in spring and summer with fetilizers containing micronutrients such as manganese and potassium. It is very sensitive to ganoderma butt rot (a fatal fungul disease).

The palm is propagated by seeds. Germination occurs in 3-5 months.

If you are interested to learn more about palm trees, check out the Fan Palm Tree website.

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