Ironwood Palm

Ravenea lakatra is a palm native to eastern Madagascar, where it grows in wet tropical forest. Field accounts describe a solitary palm with pinnate, slightly arching leaves and a broad range of mature heights, so allow generous vertical space rather than planning around one fixed size. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:980045-1) and [Palmweb](https://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Ravenea_lakatra) ## Landscape use Treat this as a tropical collection or conservatory palm where its scale and warm, humid climate can be accommodated. It is not a cold-climate landscape palm; the species’ documented native range is Madagascar. ## Growing conditions Choose a bright, sheltered position with warmth and humidity. Its wet-forest origin supports steady moisture, while a freely draining container mix helps prevent waterlogging around the roots. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth and avoid cold exposure. Check that a large container remains stable as the palm gains height, and remove only damaged foliage.