Pondoland Palm

Pondoland palm is a slow-growing, evergreen palm with a fibrous, multi-stemmed trunk and a broad crown of feather-shaped leaves. Kew accepts the species as *Jubaeopsis afra*; the spelling *J. caffra* appears in horticultural sources and is treated by IPNI as an orthographic variant. ## Form and placement This South African endemic has pinnate leaves that can reach 6 metres long, with an overall height up to 8 metres and crown spread to about 7 metres. The [Tree SA profile](https://treesa.org/jubaeopsis-caffra/) describes the yellow petioles, green foliage, small flowers, and rounded fruit that resembles a tiny coconut. Its limited native range lies in Pondoland, along rivers near the coast. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and allow generous room for the crown. The palm grows naturally on sandstone near the coast and develops suckers from its base. Kew records its native range from the Cape Provinces to KwaZulu-Natal. ## Maintenance Growth is slow, and seed germination is poor; basal suckers provide a more effective propagation route. Protect young plants while they establish and retain adequate open space around the spreading crown.