Kentiopsis piersoniorum

*Chambeyronia piersoniorum*, formerly classified as *Kentiopsis piersoniorum*, is a tall New Caledonian palm with strongly recurved, feather-like leaves and a striking glaucous crownshaft. It is an architectural specimen for tropical and conservatory collections where a large crown and eventual trunk height can be accommodated. ## Identification and appearance The [Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77220316-1) accepts *Chambeyronia piersoniorum* and lists *Kentiopsis piersoniorum* as its synonym. The original palm revision describes an emergent tree with a trunk about 10–15 m tall or more, a crown of sharply recurved gray-green leaves, and a waxy purplish-green to purple crownshaft. Its spreading inflorescences carry pink petals, with glossy brown flower buds and glaucous branches. ## Habitat and garden use This species is endemic to a small area on the eastern slopes of Mont Panié in northeastern New Caledonia, where it grows in exposed shrubland and forest on steep schist slopes at montane elevations. Palm growers describe it as slow-growing but cultivable in tropical and many warm-temperate climates, in a sunny position with steady moisture and good drainage ([Palmpedia growing profile](https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Kentiopsis_piersoniorum)). The [1998 taxonomic revision](https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/divers19-04/010074654.pdf) provides its field description; the local [Endemia profile](https://endemia.nc/flore/fiche8886) reports a restricted range and a Vulnerable assessment from 2016. ## Conservation Use cultivated, nursery-propagated plants and avoid collecting seeds or plants from the wild. Its native habitat is geographically limited and receives provincial protection; sourcing responsibly helps keep ornamental interest separate from pressure on wild populations. ## Maintenance Allow generous overhead space for the mature crown. Keep the growing point and crownshaft free from damage, and remove only dead or broken fronds with clean tools.