Chambeyronia divaricata

Chambeyronia divaricata is a slender New Caledonian palm whose arching green fronds frame a vivid [red flush when a new leaf opens](https://junglemusic.com/2023/08/actinokentia-divaricata-the-miniature-flame-thrower-palm/). Its narrow trunk and sparse crown give this slow-growing species an airy, refined presence for a warm, sheltered planting or a bright indoor conservatory. It is still widely sold and discussed under its former name, [Actinokentia divaricata](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77220086-1). ## Form and landscape use In native forest, this palm grows as a slender, ringed tree with strongly arching leaves; a [botanical account](https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PALMS-v65n3p132-146-Henry-New-Caledonia.pdf) reports mature heights of about 4–9 metres. A [specialist nursery](https://junglemusic.com/2023/08/actinokentia-divaricata-the-miniature-flame-thrower-palm/) describes a sparse crown with roughly five or six leaves, a narrow trunk and much slower growth in cooler gardens than in tropical habitat. Its [red new leaves](https://junglemusic.com/2023/08/actinokentia-divaricata-the-miniature-flame-thrower-palm/) last only a few days before turning green, so the color is a brief feature that recurs as the palm produces foliage. ## Siting and growing conditions The species is native to humid forests of central and southeastern [New Caledonia](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77220086-1), often on rocky ultramafic soils. Give it filtered light or partial shade, shelter from drying exposure, and a moist, humus-rich root zone. Nursery observations report very slow growth in pots and gardens, especially in cooler or drier climates; allow years for a specimen to develop. Mature spread remains poorly documented. ## Maintenance Keep moisture consistent without leaving the root zone waterlogged. Protect the palm from cold and dry air, and handle the delicate crown carefully. Allow space for its eventual height even when the plant is still small; the currently published mature-height range is 4–9 metres.