Roystonea maisiana

Roystonea maisiana is a royal palm endemic to the Maisí region of eastern Cuba. Kew recognizes it as an accepted species, and palm references describe a solitary, slender trunk with a smooth green crownshaft. It is an unusual palm for warm tropical collections and spacious landscapes. ## Form and range The species grows naturally at about 350–420 m in the Maisí region. Botanical descriptions report a height of about 20 m, a gray-white trunk, roughly fifteen pinnate leaves and white flowers; its ripe fruit is black. The local common name recorded for it is Palma negra. Historical local uses include timber, thatch and hog feed. ## Landscape setting The species is more slender than the Cuban Royal Palm, *R. regia*, and a palm specialist describes it as suitable for cultivation. Its native range is exceptionally localized, so it suits warm tropical settings where its full stature can be accommodated. See [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:995255-1) and the [Palm Grower's Guide profile](https://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Roystonea_maisiana). ## Maintenance Provide generous vertical clearance and room for the solitary crown. The palm reference recommends the culture of *R. regia*; use warm conditions and moisture with good drainage as a cautious starting point.