Royal Palm
Roystonea regia
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Palau, United States
iNaturalist: © darren12394 (iNaturalist #232347771)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Arecaceae
- Genus:
- Roystonea
- Species:
- Roystonea regia
- USDA Symbol:
- RORE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Pyroderces badia
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Moths:Carectocultus perstrialis, Elophila obliteralis, watermilfoil leafcutter moth (Parapoynx allionealis) Butterflies:Tropical Checkered-skipper (Burnsius oileus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bats
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in rich organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best when fresh; remove outer fruit pulp before sowing. Requires warm temperatures (80-90°F) and consistent moisture.