Veitchia vitiensis

Veitchia vitiensis is a Fijian palm tree, rare in cultivation. It has a tropical temperament but is quite easy to grow in a greenhouse or very bright interior. This slender species is characterised by a particularly thin false trunk and a crown of large aerial and pinnate leaves, which are semi-erect. Not hardy, it can be grown in a container or a large pot, which allows it to be protected from the cold in winter. This species likes moist, rich and light soils, and a semi-shaded exposure.

Veitchia vitiensis belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is native to the Fiji islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, where it grows in small populations in the primary forest, often on hillsides. This species of humid tropical climate dies below 0°C (32°F), but adapts well to indoor cultivation as long as winter temperatures range between 10 and 15°C (50 to 59°F) and the atmosphere remains humid. Young plants take some time to establish, then growth accelerates slightly. In the ground, Veitchia vitiensis can reach a height of 12 to 15m (39 to 49ft), but it will not exceed 3m (10ft) in height with a 1.5m (5ft) spread if grown in a container or indoors or in a greenhouse. 

This Palm tree develops a unique trunk, called a stipe, which is very thin and tapered (25cm (10in) diameter at the base, but 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter under the leaves), grey in colour, and strongly ringed with prominent leaf scars. At the top of this stipe, a beautiful foliage crown develops. It is composed of 8 to 10 large pinnate leaves, slightly arched, reaching 3m (10ft) in length. The leaves are divided into 30 to 40 pairs of rather wide lanceolate leaflets arranged almost horizontally. They are bright green in colour. The petiole that carries each leaf is short, pubescent, and brown in colour. Flowering occurs in summer, on mature plants aged 10 to 15 years, under favourable growing conditions. The inflorescences emerge under the leaves. They are erect and branched. Each one contains both male and female flowers, and are whitish-green in colour. The fruit is rounded to ellipsoid, measuring up to 19mm (1in) long.

With its well-groomed small palm tree appearance, it will make a sensation in a tropical greenhouse, or in a very bright room. It tolerates container cultivation well and can be taken out on a patio or balcony from May to September, after an acclimatisation period. Reserve a good spot on a patio, initially exposing it to shade so that it gradually gets used to the sun. Like all palm trees, it is difficult to associate with other plants due to its strong personality. Surround it with Phormium, which are sculptural, sober, and colourful, or with precise and geometric agaves or Cordyline, for example.