Cyrtostachys renda (Red Sealing Wax Palm, Sealing-Wax Palm, Maharajah Palm, Lipstick Palm)


Botanical Information

FamilyArecaceae
GenusCyrtostachys
Speciesrenda
SynonymsCyrtostachys lakka
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals, Woody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginThailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)Above 4.5
Temperature (°F)40
Height12 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA clumping palm, up to 12 m tall, with characteristically bright red leaf sheaths (each about 60 cm long) around the stems.
LandscapeRoadside palm, parks and gardens, hedge or screening, and focal plant.
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division of suckers.
CultivationPlant in full sun to partial sun in a well-draining sandy soil. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand.
HabitatIt grows near the sea, by tidal rivers, and in freshwater or peat swamp forests.
Bark/Stem DescriptionCrown shaft is distinctively red in colour.
Leaf DescriptionAbout 1.5 m long and 0.6 m wide, have bright red stalks and mid-ribs and are pinnate and alternately-arranged. Each leaf consists of leaflets that are boat-shaped, slightly grey on the underside and about 45 cm long and 4 cm wide.
Flower DescriptionGreen before turning to red, with two large spathes (modified leaves) that are 60 cm by 60 cm. Flowers are pollinated by bees.
Fruit Description18 mm fruit that is black when ripe, containing a 12 mm seed.

Photographs