feather-duster palm

Rhopalostylis sapida H.Wendl. & Drude

Rhopalostylis sapida, known as nīkau or feather-duster palm, is a palm species native to New Zealand. It is the only palm species found on the mainland of New Zealand and is also present on the Chatham Islands. The species was first described in 1878 by H. Wendl. & Drude. It belongs to the Arecaceae family.

Description

Rhopalostylis sapida is a palm species that is indigenous to New Zealand, including the North Island, South Island, and the Chatham Islands. It is the sole palm species native to the mainland of New Zealand. The species was formally published in 1878 by H. Wendl. & Drude. The plant is commonly referred to as nīkau in Māori and feather-duster palm in English. It is a member of the Arecaceae family, which includes a wide range of palm species found globally.