Kermadec Nikau

The Kermadec nīkau is the palm native to Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands, recorded in older literature as Rhopalostylis cheesemanii. Current New Zealand and Kew taxonomic references place that name with Rhopalostylis baueri, The Kermadec Islands population is geographically distinct from the Norfolk Island population. ## Form and habitat This solitary palm develops a ringed green trunk and a crown of long leaves divided into narrow leaflets. Its pinkish-yellow spathes open around clustered flowers, followed by red fruit. New Zealand plant conservation records describe trunks reaching up to 15 metres and leaves around 3 metres long; those are upper limits, not a typical garden size. It belongs in warm, sheltered landscapes suited to its subtropical island origin. ## Sources [New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: Rhopalostylis baueri](https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/rhopalostylis-baueri/) · [Kew Plants of the World Online: Rhopalostylis baueri](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60468338-2/general-information) · [Flora of New Zealand: Rhopalostylis cheesemanii](https://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/taxa/646505cb-48c7-4764-98b1-7125561e4d67) ## Maintenance Protect the crown from damage and allow generous vertical clearance as the palm grows. Keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment.