Red Barbel Palm

Acanthophoenix rubra, commonly known as the Barbel Palm, is a critically endangered solitary palm endemic to the Mascarene Islands. It features a slender, reddish-brown trunk that is densely spiny in its youth, eventually becoming smoother with age. The crown consists of about ten arching pinnate leaves, often displaying a striking red or rust-colored crownshaft. This slow-growing species thrives in humid, tropical environments with well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Historically prized for its edible palm hearts, it is now a rare and highly sought-after ornamental collector's item.