Lord Bentinck's Palm

Lord Bentinck’s palm is Bentinckia condapanna, a tropical palm native to southwestern India. Kew’s [Plants of the World Online record](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664851-1) accepts the species and places it in Arecaceae; Singapore’s [National Parks Board profile](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/9/1/9141) describes its growth rate as moderate and lists full sun to semi-shade with moderate water. ## Landscape use This distinctive palm is best suited to tropical gardens and collections where its regional origin and palm form can be appreciated. Kew records it as a tree of wet tropical biomes, while India Flora Online records the species from the southern Western Ghats. The available references do not provide a reliable landscape-size range for cultivated plants. ## Siting and water Choose a warm, frost-free site with full sun or partial shade. Provide regular moderate moisture and a soil that drains while not becoming persistently dry. Its natural wet-tropical context is useful when planning irrigation and placement. A USDA hardiness range is not established by the sources consulted; the retained lower-zone value should be treated cautiously. ## Maintenance Water consistently during establishment and monitor moisture during hot weather. Avoid assuming that a palm native to wet tropical habitats will tolerate cold or prolonged drought. Because reliable cultivated dimensions were not located, allow generous space and consult regional palm growers before placing it near structures or paths.