Syagrus schizophylla

Syagrus schizophylla, called Arikuriroba in its native Brazil, is a remarkable small indoor palm tree. It is small in size but truly splendid, is not very demanding in terms of soil and rather easy to cultivate. It is characterised by a short "trunk" with foliar remnants topped by a regular, slightly flattened dome-shaped crown composed of large, intense green pinnate and dentate leaves. It has a graceful and unique silhouette that will make an impression on the terrace during the summer and in the conservatory during winter. It has slow growth and can be grown in a container for many years.

Syagrus schizophylla belongs to the large family of Arecaceae. It is native to the Brazilian coast, where it is frequently used for landscaping. It is found there on sandy soils, along with forest plants. An adult plant freezes below -3°C (26.6°F).

Its trunk, called a stipe, is solitary and heavily adorned with remnants of old leaf stalks (petioles). This Syagrus reaches about 5 metres (16 ft) in height and 2.50 meters (8 feet) in width when grown in the ground, but it will remain much smaller when grown in a container. At the end of the stipe a crown composed of large palmate leaves develops. Each leaf is composed of numerous narrow, leathery, and rigid pinnae, of a glossy green colour. Flowering occurs in late summer, even on relatively young specimens. It takes the form of branched inflorescences that emerge between the leaves, with a different appearance depending on whether they are male or female. Male inflorescences are shorter and somewhat resemble brooms, while female inflorescences are long, pendulous, and adorned with small cream-white flowers. These small blooms are followed by inedible but decorative ovoid fruits, similar to miniature coconuts.

Syagrus schizophylla thrives as long as it does not lack water, heat, or nutrients. It is perfectly suited for container cultivation and makes a superb indoor plant for large, well-lit entrances, conservatories, and temperate greenhouses. It can sometimes be difficult to pair with other plants due to its strong personality: reserve a corner of a terrace for it, perhaps placing Phormiums, cycads, or ornamental gingers nearby.