Common Name: Satake Palm

From the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, Satakentia liukiuensis grows at low elevation in areas of moist open forest. A single stemmed species to 18m/60' in height with a 300/12" diameter trunk, which is light grey to mid brown with lighter rings formed by the scars of previous leaves. Above the trunk is a prominent 750mm/2.5' crownshaft, which can be dark green to dark brown, sometimes with a slightly reddish hue. The leaves, up to 3.0m/10', are dark green, regularly pinnate with very short 100mm/4" petioles and a graceful curve. The 600mm/2' long, narrow leaflets are slightly pendulous giving an overall appearance not disimilar to the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Satakentia liukiuensis will take full sun from an early age, but likes plenty of moisture. Whilst it will survive a very light frost, it is best suited to warm tropical and subtropical climates, where growth rate is usually moderate at best. Although still uncommon in cultivation, it is gaining popularity.