Yellow Latan Palm

Yellow Latan Palm is a solitary fan palm native to Rodrigues in the Mascarene Islands. NParks lists a maximum height of 11 metres and describes its large, fan-shaped leaves as about 1.8–2.4 metres wide, with a silvery surface from a waxy coating. ## Form and foliage The palm has a single trunk with a swollen base and leaf scars. Mature foliage is green with a silver-gray cast; young leaves show orange-yellow margins and veins. Petioles may be spiny when the palm is young and gradually become smoother as it matures. The species produces separate male and female inflorescences and drop-shaped fruit that ripens brown. ## Growing conditions NParks recommends full sun and moderate water, and lists the species for roadsides, parks and gardens. It can tolerate short periods of drought and has a moderate growth rate. Its large leaves and solitary form need generous overhead and lateral room; the leaf width is not a measure of the whole crown’s spread. [See the NParks species profile](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/6/2638). ## Maintenance Protect young petioles from contact in narrow walkways, since they may be spiny before maturing. Allow room for the broad leaves and remove only damaged or dead foliage as needed.