Beccariophoenix alfredii

Beccariophoenix alfredii is a tall feather palm from the western edge of Madagascar's central highlands, where it lines sandy stream banks at about 1050 m. From a distance it could pass for a coconut: a straight grey trunk with a full crown of long, arching leaves.

Botanists first reached its stands in 2004 and named it in 2007. Known in gardens as the High Plateau coconut palm, it combines that coconut silhouette with better tolerance of cold, light frost and drought than its relatives, which has made it a sought-after coconut substitute for subtropical gardens. It is listed as Vulnerable.

At a glance

• Native range: Madagascar (central highlands)
• Mature size: 10–15 m
• Growth rate: vigorous once rooted, fastest in warm, humid climates
• Light: full sun
• Water: moderate, with some humidity appreciated
• Cold hardiness: about −3 °C for established palms; young plants are more tender
• Indoors / outdoors: an outdoor palm for subtropical and mild Mediterranean gardens

Care

Plant in full sun in a sandy loam, although it tolerates many soils and is not especially hungry. Water moderately. Give young plants some winter protection until they are established. Its trunk normally grows straight, but a young palm planted on its side will curve upwards in coconut fashion.

Why Palmpedia: Every plant is grown in our greenhouse in Almeirim, Portugal, and leaves us in a 15 L to 35 L pot.