On the left side of this page you will see photographs of specimens of any given species or genus. Some cultural comments are given. To the immediate right you will see photographs of various sizes of the same or similar species that we have for sale at the nursery. If you go from left to right and back, you’ll be able to get a real feel for what any given nursery plant will eventually look like. If you scroll down, we discuss another species or genus. As time goes by, we will be adding a lot more species and photographs. For pricing, click on “Buy Palms” at our main homepage. Typical prices are 1g $35, 5g $65 and 15g $175. Please note that our inventory and availability does change with time. Also, on most items, we have sizes available from seedlings to larger plants. We have purposefully shown larger nursery stock in many cases for visual and educational reasons.
Palm Trees
Bismarckia nobilis
Specimen photographs
Bismarckia nobilis, the Bismarck Palm Sun loving palm with brilliant silver-blue leaves. Likes heat, full sun and good drainage. From Madagascar and very popular. In most applications, gets to about 30 feet. Good drainage preferred.This photograph shows how very silver-white the stems of the Bismarckia really are. Note the early flower formation on this plant.
Burretiokentia hapala from New Caledonia. Burretiokentia is an exciting genus with about six species. B. hapala is an easy species for us to grow in Southern California. It is cold tolerant into the upper 20 degrees F. and likes strong filtered light, part day sun, etc. Inland it needs protection from direct sun. It is medium height, perhaps to 20 to 25 feet here It’s trunk is thin. The overall appearance is elegant and pleasing. Its growth rate is medium.Burretiokentiavieillardii is another species of this genus. It has similar overall characteristics as B. hapala, but shows off an unusual striped crown shaft. It is a bit more cold sensitive compared to hapala, but quite beautiful.Burretiokentiavieillardii crown shaft. Often these stripes are even more prominent, thus giving it the common name of Tiger Palm.Burretiokentia koghiensis on Mt. Koghi, New Caledonia. This is another species we grow.
Plants at Jungle Music
Burretiokentiahapala 15gBurretiokentia koghiensis 5gBase of a 5g Burretiokentiakoghiensis. You can just get a hint of it here, but the base has a triangular shape to it.Â
Caryota gigas
Specimen photographs
Caryota gigas, the “Giant Mountain Fishtail” and “Black Fishtail”Caryota gigas is an example of a single trunk Fishtail Palm. Introduced into cultivation in the 1990’s, it has become quite popular. It is a big palm with a very fat trunk, typically getting up to about 40 feet. Give it room. Along the coast it prefers full sun. Inland desert sun may be too much for it.Caryota gigas in the arboretum at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Plants at Jungle Music
Caryota gigas, 24 inch boxCaryota gigas, another boxed plant about 10 feet tallPhoto showing the blackish trunk of Caryota gigasCaryota gigas, a 5g plant
Chambeyronia
Specimen Photographs
Chambeyronia macrocarpa is a medium sized, crown shafted palm with wide leaflets and a newly emergent red leaf. It is known as the Blushing Palm and the Flame Thrower Palm. It is native to New Caledonia. It’s leaves have a thick substance. Overall height is about 25 feet, sometimes taller. It is very popular among enthusiasts. There are multiple species of Chambeyronia.   Above is a closer view of the crown of the plant aboveAnother Chambeyronia macrocarpa in a public plantingA newly emerging red leaf of Chambeyronia macrocarpa in a garden setting.Chambeyronia hookeri is quite similar to C. macrocarpa except for the color of the crown shaft. Note that it is a creamy yellow as compared to a darkish green with macrocarpa. WE do have C. hookeri for sale up to 20g size. There are a few other quite rare forms of Chambeyronia that become available for sale from time to time.
Plants at Jungle Music
Chambeyronia macrocarpa 15g size with new red leafAnother 15g plantChambeyronia macrocarpa, 5g sizeRed new leaf on Chambeyronia macrocarpa at the nursery.
Dypsis decipiens
Specimen Photographs
Dypsis decipiens, the Manambe Palm (photo by MR). This photo is from the wild in Madagascar.Above is another photo of Dypsis decipiens in the wild, Photo by JS Dypsis decipiens is a very popular but slow growing species from Madagascar. It is typically medium sized, likes full sun, and is surprisingly cold hardy. It may be single trunk or suckering.Â
Plants at Jungle Music
Above is a 7g container of Dypsis decipiens, already suckering This is a 25g Dypsis decipiens. In the trade, this is known as a “red form” because it has some red in the stem of the leaf and sometimes a hint of red in the new emerging leaf. It’s importance is that sometimes this variety gives an adult plant with a white crown shaft (as seen above) and the growth rare appears to be faster. Note that because this species grows so slowly, it is hard for us to continually produce plants in large sizes. This is true with other nurseries as well. So, perhaps it’s best to get the biggest one that you see.Â
Dypsis decaryi
Specimen Photographs
Dypsis decaryi, the Triangle Palm, in Balboa Park, San Diego, CADypsis decaryi in Madagascar, photo by MR Dypsis decaryi, known as the Triangle Palm, is a sun-loving species that is medium sized and has a bit of cold hardiness. Native to Madagascar, it is quite popular among collectors and likes heat, full sun and good drainage. Mature height is about 20 to 25 feet.Another public planting of Dypsis decaryi
Plants at Jungle Music
Dypsis decaryi in a 15g potD. decaryi in a 20gDypsis decaryi in a 24 inch box
Dypsis leptocheilos
Specimen Photographs
Dypsis leptocheilos, the Teddy Bear Palm. This medium sized Dypsis deserves special mention because it is really a unique and beautiful species. It has a rather thin, silver, prominently ringed trunk and an orange-brown, fuzzy crown shaft. Thus, the name “Teddy Bear Palm”. It has some degree of cold hardiness and doesn’t get too large. People are easily attracted to this species because of it’s unique beauty.A close up view of the crown and trunk, showing its color and the silver trunk.
Plants at Jungle Music
Dypsis leptocheilos, 20gDypsis leptocheilos 25gThis is a close up of the plant above showing the early formation of the beautiful trunk and the orange, fuzzy crown shaft. .
Euterpe edulis
Specimen Photographs
Euterpe edulis is native to South America and known as the “Heart of Palm” and Jucara Palm. The former name is given because the heart of this species is an edible delicacy, often used in salads. It is a crown shafted, thin, medium-tall species. It has droopy leaves and can survive outdoors in Southern California. When young it prefers filtered light, working its way into the full sun. Maximum height is about 30 feet. Cold tolerance is the upper 20’s F.A look at the trunk and green seeds of Euterpe edulis. Many readers might have heard of the recent craze over the “Acai” berry drinks. This is made from the seeds of a Euterpe species.
Plants at Jungle Music
Euterpe edulis, 20g plant. Younger plants available many sizesEuterpe edulis 15g
Hedyscepe canterburyana
Specimen Photographs
Hedyscepe canterburyana, the Umbrella Palm & Big Mountain palm, is endemic to Lord Howe Island. It has the shape reminiscent of an umbrella and grows about half way up the mountains of Lord Howe. It is a medium sized palm that has a silver crown shaft and a silver, prominently ringed trunk. The fruit is a gorgeous red, about the size of a small egg. It tolerates sun in the coastal areas of California but needs protection inland or in the desert. It has moderate cold hardiness, about like a Howea forsteriana.The beautiful trunk and crown shaft of HedyscepeHedyscepe can grow in shadier conditions, but likes a bit of sun. You can see the prominent rings on the trunk.
Plants at Jungle Music
Hedyscepe canterburyana in a 15g containerHedyscepe canterburyana 5g size
Howea forsteriana
Specimen Photographs
Howea forsteriana, the Kentia Palm, the Sentry Palm. This is a picture of the crowns of two specimen plants. This is a grouping of multiple Howea forsteriana at Mission Bay Park in San Diego, CA. Note the medium height and not overly thick trunks.The two plants to the left are Howea forsteriana. The one to the right is Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. Howea forsteriana are a very popular plant. This species is quite versatile and can be grown inside the home our outside in areas that don’t get too cold. It tolerates full coastal sun, filtered light inland and gets up to about 30 to 35 feet of height. It is planted as it occurs naturally, single trunk, or can be planted as multiples together to give more fullness. It makes an ideal house plant.Another type of Howea is H. belmoreana, which has a recurved leaf and overall a smaller crown than H. forsteriana.  We have these for sale as well. They get up to about 25 feet or more.
Plants at Jungle Music
24 inch boxed Howea forsteriana up 15 feetTall 14 foot boxed Howea forsteriana. A nice 15g single trunkHowea forsteriana, multiple, 5g. Ideal size for mail order.
Hyophorbe species
Specimen Photographs
The genus Hyophorbe is an old, established genus with several remarkable species. Above is a mature Hyophorbelagenicaulis in fruit. Known as the Bottle Palm, this species never gets too tall, perhaps to about 15 feet. It is known for its very swollen base, thus given the name “Bottle Palm”. We will show pictures of three Hyophorbe here, and the Bottle Palm is the least cold hardy of the three. They like full sun along the coast and don’t really tolerate a freeze. They also appreciate good heat..Hyophorbelagenicaulis base on a medium aged tree. Note how it’s most swollen at the very bottom of the trunk.Note how the trunk of this Hyophorbe verschafeltii is thinner at the bottom and swollen in the middle of the trunk. That’s why it’s called the Spindle Palm. It also likes full sun but is a bit more cold tolerant than the Bottle Palm. It also gets up to about 15 feet.Note how the trunk is most swollen on this Spindle Palm just below the crown shaft.Hyophorbe indica is more cold tolerant than both the species above. It’s trunk is irregular and somewhat lumpy, but certainly not real swollen like it’s two sisters above. But it is still quite cool as you can see. This is the easiest species to grow in Southern California. It likewise likes heat and sun. There is a “red” and “green” form of this species.
Plants at Jungle Music
My son Jesse and grandson Morgan next to a Bottle Palm in the Nursery. This plant is about 15 years old and in a 45 gallon container.In the foreground is an old Hyophorbe lagenicaulisHyophorbe verschafeltii 5gHyophorbe verschafeltii in a 15g containerHyophorbeindica, 25g. /This is the most cold tolerant of the HyoporbeHyophorbe indica trunk in a 25g containerHyophorbe indica 15gAnother picture of the indica trunk, 20g plant
Kentiopsis species
Specimen Photographs
Kentiopsis oliviformis, the most popular Kentiopsis species, is becoming more popular. It’s leaves are green but sometimes have a bit of blue color to them. It is think trunked and can get taller than a King Palm. It is very graceful and a moderately quick grower.Kentiopsis oliviformisKentiopsis magnifica Kentiopsis as a group are a very sought-after genus of palms. They are medium sized and quite graceful with thin crown shafts. Along the coast they tolerate full sun but inland need protection. K. oliviformis has proven to be fairly cold hardy and fairly easy to grow.
Plants at Jungle Music
Kentiopsis oliviformis in a 15g containerKentiopsis oliviformis, 20gAbove is a nice 5g size Kentiopsis oliviformis
Ravenea species
Specimen Photographs
Ravenea rivularis, the Majesty Palm Ravenea are a genus endemic to Madagascar and nearby islands. They can be large trees or small. They do not have a crown shafts like seen on the many Dypsis species from the same area. The most common species, Ravenea rivularis, has a large trunk and can obtain a height of over 40 feet. The genus is quite diverse with miniature species and rather massive species. All species in this genus are sought after by collectors. Cold tolerance is variable, but many species will tolerate some degree of freeze. There are many more species that we grow than shown on these pages.Ravenea rivularis in the wild in Madagascar, photo by MR     Ravenea mooreiRavenea madagascarensis var. monticola in a domestic garden. Note, there is some controversy over this name.Ravenea hildebrandtii, a dward species of Ravena from Madagascar
Plants at Jungle Music
Ravenea species unknown, 20g potRavenea sambiranensis in a 5g. Note, there is controversy over this nameA very rare, never available species called “Ravenea sp. pomuni”Ravenea glauca in a 15g containerA very rare species, Ravenea sp. “anjouan”, from Anjouan Island in the nearby Comores and not found in Madagascar. This plant is in a 15g.
Rhopalostylis species
Specimen Photographs
Above is a group planting of Rhopalostylis sapida in Balboa Park, Can Diego, CA Rhopalostylis is a genus with two, possibly three or more species. These include R.sapida, baueri, and cheesmanii. The reason I say there might be more “species” is because plants from some islands around New Zealand look different and would perhaps at the least be considered varieties. All are medium height when mature, prominently crown shafted (sometimes bulging), prefer light filtered light or perhaps full sun in the case of R. sapida along the coast. All are rather slow growing. The common names used for Rhopalostylis sapida include the Shaving Brush Palm, The Feather Duster Palms, and Nikau Palm. R. bauerii is known as the Norfolk Island Palm.  Rhopalostylis sapida, closer view of the crownsRhopalostylis baueri in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA The plant above appears to be a hybrid between Rhopalostylis sapida and bauerii. It is quite attractive.
Plants at Jungle Music
Rhopalostylis sapida, 20gRhopalostylis sapida 24 inch boxRhopalostylis sapida, 15gRhopalostylis cheesmanii, a variety of R. bauerii in a 15g container.
Roystonea, the Royal Palm
Specimen Photographs
Roystonea regia, the Cuban Royal Palm, is pictured above. Royal Palms as a group are tall, sun loving palms with full crowns that come from Florida, Cuba, the Caribbean and South America. Known for their bulging trunks, they are very sought after. The one from Cuba, the “Cuban Royal Palm” is most commonly seen. Roystonea oleracea, the South American Royal Palm, has a crown that is more upright compared to the Cuban Royal.Roystonea borinquena is another attractive Royal Palm and has proven to be perhaps a bit more cold tolerant than other species.
Plants at Jungle Music
Roystonea regia in a 20g containerRoystonea borinquena, 15g pot15g Roystonea oleracea Roystonea regia, box
Wodyetia bifurcata
Specimen Photographs
Wodyetia bifurcata, the Foxtail Palm. This species was introduced in the late 1980’s and has been very popular. This is mostly because it doesn’t get too tall, has a thin attractive trunk and crown shaft and has a small crown of fluffy leaves. Its crown shaft is silver green and the plumose character of the leaves lends to the name “Foxtail”. It is cold tolerant to about 24 degrees F. and demands full sun. Near the coast with damp and moist air, the leaves can brown tip. The anticipated height in California is usually about 25 feet, although in the tropics it can get a bit taller. This species has been hybridized with Veitchia producing a very desirable cross that grows great.A smaller Wodyetia bifurcata in fruit.The hybrid cross Wodyetia X Veitchia, known as the “Foxy Lady Palm”. We do have these for sale.
Plants at Jungle Music
Several 20g Wodyetia bifurcata about 14 feet tallA closer look at 25g Wodyetia bifurcataWell grown, Wodyetia b. has lush green leaves with the silver trunik seen below.
This is obviously a very abbreviated presentation of some interesting palms that we have at the Nursery. As time goes on, we’ll expand our species shown and add more features like links to prices and search features.  If you like any of the nursery plants we’ve shown above, please drop by for a visit or contact us by phone. We typically have an assortment of sizes to satisfy everyone.  And, on many sizes, we can ship right to your door. We also offer a consultation service to help you select the right plants for your garden. If you also like cycads, click the “Cycad” button above to see our stock of many species of cycads and compare them with mature specimens. We also offer a great selection of other tropical companion plants such as Philodendron, Heliconia, Aeroids, Croton, Alocasia, etc. All these plants mix well with the palms and cycads.Â
Be aware that, when you read this article, some of the nursery plants may have sold. So, consider these photos as being representative of what we offer.
Thank you for reading this. I hope to hear from or see many of you soon.Â
Phil Bergman Jungle Music Palms and Cycads Nursery
