Native to the wet, humid lowland rainforests of the Soloman Islands east of Australia, and the Republic of Vanuatu, the Licuala grandis (also known as the Ruffled Fan Palm or Vanuatu Fan Palm) is perhaps one of the most interesting and elegant of all small palms. Its glossy, pleated, fan-like fronds are fantastic, as are its drooping cluster of red fruits that mature late in the season. A small understory palm, the large fans dominate the plant, even when it is young. In early or midsummer, a cluster of yellowish white blossoms appear. These develop into small, round, red fruits by autumn.
There are currently nine Licuala grandis trees thriving in the Merwin Palm Collection.
Want to “virtually explore” the Merwin Palm Collection? Search through our archive of Palm Facts of the Week, featuring palms hand-planted by W.S Merwin. To search through the Online Merwin Palm Database, visit this link.
If you’re inspired to help The Merwin Conservancy preserve and care for the world-renowned Merwin Palm Collection into the future, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Photo by Larry Cameron is from his book collaboration with W.S. Merwin, What is a Garden?