Royal Palm (Roystonea)

Roystonea is an accepted genus in the palm family, Arecaceae, with a native range extending from southern Florida through the Caribbean and tropical America. Members are tall, erect, unarmed palms with a single trunk, a crownshaft and a spreading crown of large pinnate leaves. [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:31488-1/general-information) describes the genus. ## Form and placement Royal palms create a strong vertical accent in warm landscapes. Give them generous overhead and lateral clearance so the trunk and crown can be appreciated without crowding paths, buildings or utility lines. This genus-level profile covers multiple species, so mature dimensions and local climate limits depend on the species selected; use the exact species name when checking site suitability. ## Growing conditions Roystonea species occur in tropical and subtropical regions. Choose a warm, open planting position and provide enough soil volume for a large palm. Do not apply one species’ cold-hardiness or watering schedule to the whole genus: local species and growing conditions determine those needs. Large pinnate fronds and the crownshaft are characteristic features, while individual species vary in trunk form, fruit and mature stature. ## Maintenance Inspect the crown and trunk periodically, especially after severe weather. Remove only dead or hazardous fronds and use a qualified palm-care professional for high work. Avoid topping or damaging the growing point, which would compromise the palm’s natural single-trunk form.