Christmas Palm Tree

Adonidia merrillii, commonly called Christmas or Manila palm, is a small tropical landscape palm valued for its smooth trunk, arching feather-like leaves and bright red fruit clusters. Fruit ripens from late fall into winter, giving the palm its common name. It grows in full sun and tolerates partial shade; [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST658) describes its small-site use, and [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/663990-1) accepts Adonidia merrillii with Veitchia merrillii as a synonym. ## Landscape use This palm can suit a small tropical site, where its canopy and red seasonal fruit provide ornamental interest. It is native to the Philippines and is cold hardy only to about 30°F, so placement should reflect local winter conditions. Established plants tolerate dry periods and moderate salt spray on foliage, but this does not imply tolerance of saline soil. [UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/christmas-palm/) also describes its ability to tolerate partial shade. ## Maintenance Christmas palm is self-cleaning and generally needs little maintenance once established. Keep the root zone appropriately watered while young and allow the soil to drain. If fallen fruit would be a problem, flower stalks may be removed before fruit develops; otherwise the clusters provide seasonal color. Protect palms from cold near their hardiness limit and watch new foliage for nutrient-deficiency symptoms.