Different types of palm trees in South Africa: everything to know

Different types of palm trees in South Africa: everything to know

South African landscapes are often characterized by their lush greenery and tall trees, many of which are palm trees. These beautiful and hardy trees thrive in the South African climate and come in various shapes and sizes. This article explores the different types of palm trees in South Africa and their features.

types of palm trees in South Africa
Collections coconut palm tree isolated on white background. Photo: Pakin Songmor
Source: Getty Images

From fan and wild date palms to Chinese windmill and African fan palms, South Africa hosts various palm trees. Each species provides unique characteristics to the landscape, from the height of the trees to the shape of their trunks and the length of their fronds.

Types of palm trees in South Africa

What are the different types of palm trees? There are over 2,500 species of palm trees worldwide, and South Africa is home to many of them. South Africa is home to several species of palm trees, providing a lush, tropical feel to the landscape. Here are 10 of the most common types of palm trees in South Africa:

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1. Hyphaene coriacea

palm types
Hyphaene coriacea. Photo: GW3ND0LIN
Source: Getty Images

This fan palm is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the 'Cape Thatch' or 'Rooihaan'. It has a round trunk, and feathery fronds can reach up to 8 metres in length.

2. Phoenix reclinate

types of palm trees
Phoenix reclinate. Photo: @freilandpalmen, @zane.townsend.3 on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Phoenix reclinate is a small, compact palm tree often referred to as the 'Wild Date' or 'Wild Date Palm'. It has a distinctive curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 5 metres in length.

3. Areca catechu

different palm trees in south africa
Areca catechu. Photo: Subin Chaingnoon / EyeEm
Source: Getty Images

Areca catechu is a tall, slender palm tree commonly known as the 'Areca Palm'. It has a straight trunk and fronds that can reach up to 10 metres in length. It is among the types of palm trees liked most in the country.

4. Latania lontaroides

palm tree types in south africa
Latania lontaroides is a species of palm tree. It is endemic to Réunion. Photo: Wiwit Wahyuni
Source: Getty Images

This is a large, bushy palm tree commonly known as the 'Latan' or 'Latan Palm'. It has a slightly curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 12 metres in length.

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5. Livistona decipiens

palm trees in south africa
Livistona decipiens palm tree leaf branches. Photo: Cynthia Shirk
Source: Getty Images

Livistona decipiens is a tall, slender palm tree commonly known as the 'Cabbage Palm' or 'Foxtail Palm'. It has a straight trunk and fronds that can reach up to 15 metres in length. It mainly grows along the edges of forests.

6. Trachycarpus fortune

different types of palm trees
Windmill palm tree plant in a large pot outside of city building. Photo: Irina274
Source: Getty Images

Trachycarpus fortune is a large, bushy palm tree known as the 'Chinese Windmill Palm'. It has a slightly curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 7-8 metres in length.

7. Chamaerops humilis

What are the different types of palm trees?
Small Chamaerops humilis on the green grass on a sunny day. Photo: kemirada
Source: Getty Images

Chamaerops humilis is a small, compact palm tree commonly known as the 'European Fan Palm'. It has a slightly curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 6 metres in length.

8. Borassus aethiopum

How can I identify my palm tree?
African Fan Palm (Borassus aethiopum). Photo: Herbert Kratky
Source: Getty Images

Borassus aethiopum is a tall, slender palm tree commonly known as the 'African Fan Palm'. The tree has a straight trunk and fronds that can reach up to 15 metres in length.

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9. Butia capitate

types of palm trees
Pindo palm or jelly palm. Photo: viktor2013
Source: Getty Images

Butia capitate is a compact palm tree commonly known as the 'Pindo Palm'. It has a slightly curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 4 metres in length. It is among the shortest in the family of palm trees.

10. Nannorrhops ritchiana

Nannorrhops ritchiana is a small, bushy palm tree commonly known as the 'Mazari Palm'. It has a slightly curved trunk, and fronds can reach up to 4 metres in length.

What palms are indigenous to South Africa?

Identifying palm trees can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the different species. However, a few key features can help distinguish one type of palm tree from another. These include:

  • The shape and size of the fronds: Palm tree fronds can be either feather-like or fan-shaped, varying in length and width. This feature can help identify the species of the palm tree, as different species have distinct frond shapes.
  • The height of the trunk: Height can also be an identifying feature, as some palm trees have short trunks while others have towering trunks that can reach up to 30 meters in height.
  • The shape of the crown: The crown of a palm tree refers to the foliage at the top of the trunk. Some palm trees have compact crowns, while others have more spread-out crowns with fronds that extend in all directions.

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What is the most popular type of palm tree?

The most popular type of palm tree is the Phoenix reclinata, commonly known as the 'Wild Date' or 'Wild Date Palm'.

How can I identify my palm tree?

To identify your palm tree, look for distinctive features such as the shape of its trunk and fronds, the size of the tree, and the type of environment it is growing.

The different types of palm trees in South Africa provide a beautiful and tropical feel to the landscape. Each species offers unique characteristics from fan palms to wild date palms, from trunks and fronds to size and shape. By selecting the right type, you can create a stunning and exotic environment right in your backyard.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rodah Mogeni avatar

Rodah Mogeni (Lifestyle writer) She is a content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Chuka University with a BA degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (2023). She joined Briefly in 2019. Rodah has been working as a health/fitness writer at BetterMe (since 2020), London Brokers, The Hoth, and Ardor Content. In 2023, Rodah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Her email is rodahmugeni998@gmail.com