Vonitra Palm

Vonitra crinita, often listed in older palm references as Dypsis crinita, is a palm native to northern and northeastern Madagascar. Its fibrous leaf bases, branching stems, and reddish new leaves give it a distinctive character in humid tropical gardens. ## Form and habitat This clustering palm can also branch, producing several trunks with feather-like leaves and hanging leaf-sheath fibers. Field accounts report mature stems around 13–49 ft tall and a spread near 6–10 ft. In Madagascar it grows in wet tropical forest, including streamside valleys; seedlings may experience seasonal flooding. [Kew’s accepted-name record](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:670242-1) lists Dypsis crinita as a synonym of Vonitra crinita, and the [Palm Grower’s Guide](https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Vonitra_crinita) documents its habitat and form. ## Garden use The clustered, fiber-covered stems and fresh reddish leaves make it a distinctive specimen for a humid tropical garden or large conservatory. Leave enough space for multiple trunks and arching foliage. ## Maintenance Grow in filtered sun to full sun and water regularly; a California palm guide reports adaptable soil and moderate wind tolerance for cultivated plants. Keep the root zone from drying for extended periods, since the species is associated with wet forest and streamside habitat.