Arenga brevipes

Arenga brevipes is a palm from rainforest habitats in Borneo, Sumatra and the Philippines ([Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664246-1); [NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5116)). It forms a cluster of palm stems with large leaves that are dark green above and silvery green beneath, giving the plant a bold foliage effect in warm-climate gardens ([NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5116)). ## Form and placement Singapore’s National Parks Board describes this species as a clustered palm of primary rainforest, with large fronds and nearly black to dark brown petioles ([NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5116)). Use it where the clumping structure and contrasting leaf undersides can be appreciated, allowing room for a group of stems to develop. Kew records the species as a shrub of the wet tropical biome; the recorded 8–10 foot height is plausible, but the sources consulted do not give a species-specific mature dimension or spread ([Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664246-1)). ## Growing conditions NParks recommends full sun, moderate water and well-drained soil ([NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5116)). Its rainforest origin points to warm, humid conditions; protect the root zone from prolonged drying and avoid waterlogged soil. Kew’s distribution confirms a tropical range, but neither source provides a USDA hardiness-zone rating, so local winter suitability should be checked against a reliable site-specific source ([Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664246-1); [NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5116)). ## Maintenance No species-specific pruning schedule was found in the authoritative sources consulted. Remove only damaged or fully spent fronds when needed, using care around the stiff petioles, and keep the clump’s growing space clear.